Overview
Drug-induced encephalopathy is a rare, typically reversible neurological condition triggered by the administration of iodinated contrast agents, manifesting with symptoms such as encephalopathy, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and cortical blindness 1.Diagnosis
Temporal correlation: Neurological symptoms develop temporally after contrast administration 1.
Clinical presentation: Includes cortical blindness, encephalopathy, seizures, global aphasia, and hemiplegia 1.
Neuroimaging: Essential for excluding alternative diagnoses; MRI often negative initially, CT may show cerebral edema 1.
Symptom duration: Usually transient, recovery within 48-72 hours 1.Management
Supportive care: Focus on supportive measures including monitoring and symptomatic treatment 1.
No specific antidote: No specific pharmacological antidote mentioned for contrast-induced encephalopathy 1.
Neurological monitoring: Close observation for progression or complications 1.Special Populations
No specific data: Abstracts do not provide specific guidance for pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbid conditions 1.Key Recommendations
Prompt neuroimaging to differentiate from other stroke mimics and exclude alternative diagnoses (Evidence: Weak 1).
Monitor for temporal correlation between contrast administration and onset of neurological symptoms (Evidence: Weak 1).
Provide supportive care with close neurological monitoring for recovery (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).References
1 Vigano' M, Mantero V, Basilico P, Cordano C, Sangalli D, Reganati P et al.. Contrast-induced encephalopathy mimicking total anterior circulation stroke: a case report and review of the literature. Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology 2021. link