Nonconvulsive status epilepticus after intravenous contrast medium administration.
OBJECTIVE
We describe a 52-year-old man with a glioblastoma multiforme who had a prolonged partial seizure immediately after undergoing a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head with intravenous contrast medium.


METHODS
Earlier computed tomography (CT) had demonstrated a ring-enhancing hypodense mass. The patient was treated with a regimen of intravenous Tirapazamine and brain irradiation. After CT scan performed on the day of his second hospitalization, the patient became aphasic. EEG showed continuous high-voltage semirhythmic sharp and slow waves in the left posterior temporal and parietal regions consistent with status epilepticus (SE). Intravenous lorazepam and a loading dose of phenytoin were administered.


RESULTS
On the next morning, the patient's condition had improved almost to baseline. He had no recurrent seizures. EEG at 2-month follow-up showed no epileptiform discharges.


CONCLUSIONS
This appears to be the first reported case of contrast medium-induced status epilepticus.
Section of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
T G
TG
Lukovits
C E
CE
Fadul
J M
JM
Pipas
P D
PD
Williamson
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine; D010672:Phenytoin; D008140:Lorazepam