A case of contrast-induced encephalopathy using iodixanol

PURPOSE: To document a heretofore unreported complication of the contrast agent iodixanol during an endovascular procedure. CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old woman with a history of coronary artery disease was admitted to the emergency department for recurrent transient ischemic attacks. Before combined percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and carotid artery stenting (CAS) using iodixanol, the patient suffered from concomitant unstable angina and recurrent transient ischemic attacks. The total amount of iodixanol used during the CAS procedure was 300 mL. Contrast-induced encephalopathy, which manifested as aphasia, stupor, and full hemiparesis immediately after the combined procedure, was diagnosed by urgent computed tomography. Treatment was based on anti-edema drugs, and the patient made a complete recovery within 48 hours, without any neurological sequelae. CONCLUSION: Although previously reported in relation to other types of contrast media, contrast-induced encephalopathy has never been described as a complication of an endovascular procedure using iodixanol.