Contrast Induced Encephalopathy: Case Report and Review of The Literature

Abstract

Background: Contrast Induced Encephalopathy is a known but rare complication of endovascular procedures. Patients show neurologic symptoms mimicking a stroke and include visual disturbances, motor or sensory deficits, headache, seizures, memory loss, confusion, aphasia, and coma. Irreversible neurological symptoms are rare and fatal encephalopathy is even more so. Case Report: In this article we present a case of a 75-year-old female patient who showed neurological symptoms mimicking a stroke post cerebral Digital Subtraction Angiography that was done with Iohexol as a contrast agent, as a diagnostic work up to rule out a ruptured aneurysm. Further investigations showed no arterial spasms nor dissection. Symptoms reappeared after the second contrast administration but completely resolved after the administration of steroids and fluids. Conclusion: Contrast Induced Encephalopathy should be further investigated with imaging to rule out other thromboembolic or hemorrhagic causes. Treatment via the administration of steroids and fluids have shown to be effective with complete remission of symptoms.