Contrast-induced encephalopathy presenting as acute subarachnoid hemorrhage
Creator
Pokersnik J A; Liu L; Simon E L
Publisher
American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Date
2018
2018-06
Description
Contrast media induced encephalopathy is a rare complication of contrast administration characterized by nonspecific neurological signs and symptoms that may present both clinically and radiolographically as subarachnoid hemorrhage. While there are few reported presentations in the neurology literature after inpatient contrast administration, similar emergency department presentations have not been documented. We describe a patient who presented with encephalopathy and expressive aphasia after outpatient evaluation of an intrathecal analgesia pump who had radiographic imaging consistent with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. The hyperdensities seen on computed tomography scanning were subsequently identified as residual gadolinium contrast media resulting in allergic encephalopathy in this patient. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.