title: Transient global amnesia during transoesophageal echocardiogram.
abstract: Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a common paroxysmal disorder of episodic memory. The aetiology of TGA is still unknown. Brain ischaemia, migraine, epileptic seizure, venous congestion and psychological disturbances have been proposed as pathological mechanisms. Moreover, different precipitating events are recognised in most TGA patients including physical activity, severe emotional stress, painful experiences, immersion in cold water and sexual intercourse. We describe a 54-year-old woman who presented a TGA immediately after right-left shunt of saline contrast during the execution of transoesophageal echocardiography. Aetiopathological considerations for this uncommon presentation are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Profice
authors.forename: Vittoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rizzello
authors.forename: Faustino
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pennestrì
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pilato
authors.forename: Giacomo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Della Marca
authors.forename: Alfonso
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sestito
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Crea
authors.forename: Pietro A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Tonali
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Di Lazzaro
mesh_terms: D020236:Amnesia, Transient Global / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D012965:Sodium Chloride