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. 2022 Jun;64(6):1265-1268.
doi: 10.1007/s00234-022-02930-z. Epub 2022 Mar 15.

Contrast-induced encephalopathy-neuroimaging findings and clinical relevance

Frederick J A Meijer  1 , Stefan C A Steens  2 , Anil M Tuladhar  3 , Ewoud D van Dijk  3 , Hieronymus D Boogaarts  4
Affiliations

Contrast-induced encephalopathy-neuroimaging findings and clinical relevance

Frederick J A Meijer et al. Neuroradiology. 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare encephalopathic condition after the administration of a contrast agent. The diagnosis of CIE is challenging because of the heterogeneity and non-specificity of the clinical presentation. The clinical course is usually favorable with full recovery within 48-72 h in most patients, although comorbidity is of relevance and contributes to the clinical outcome. It is expected that the incidence of CIE is currently increasing, due to an increase in endovascular and diagnostic imaging procedures using iodinated contrast. It is important to include CIE in the differential diagnosis when patients deteriorate during, or immediately after, contrast administration, even when only a small amount of non-ionic contrast agent is used. When CIE is considered to be the most likely explanation for the clinical symptoms, it is advised to refrain from unnecessary additional contrast studies such as angiography or perfusion CT.

Keywords: Angiography; Brain; CT; Contrast; Encephalopathy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Author F.J.A. Meijer is editorial board member of Neuroradiology.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Case 1. Brain swelling on non-contrast CT performed directly after mechanical thrombectomy (A), which resolved on follow-up CT 4 days later (B)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Case 2. Non-contrast brain CT performed directly after percutaneous coronary intervention (A) showed increased density of the CSF (arrow). Follow-up CT 7 h later (B) demonstrated progressive brain swelling
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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