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Granulomatous meningitis as a late complication of iodized oil myelography
Nyoka N Ruberu1, Yuko Saito, Naoko Honma
1Department of Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Japan.
Abstract:
The present report is an autopsy case of an 83 year old man with severe kyphoscoliosis and granulomatous meningitis as a late complication of iodized oil myelography. He suffered from mild cognitive impairment and died of pneumonia. At autopsy, the brain showed yellow-brown granular material on its surface, mainly in the Sylvian fissure. Microscopically, granulation tissue was seen around areas of ossification encasing the foreign material. Iodized oil apparently changed into two types of foreign bodies: eosinophilic membranous lipodystrophy-like features and homogenous yellow crystals of various sizes. The pathology was identical to foreign-body granulomatous meningitis, caused by iodized oil myelography, and caused cognitive impairment in this patient.
Insights
A late complication of iodized oil myelography, foreign-body granulomatous meningitis, caused severe cognitive impairment in an elderly patient. Autopsy revealed ossified iodized oil deposits leading to this rare neurological condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Iodized oil myelography is a diagnostic imaging technique.
- Complications can arise from retained contrast agents.
Observation:
- An 83-year-old male with kyphoscoliosis presented with cognitive impairment.
- Autopsy revealed granulomatous meningitis with ossified iodized oil deposits on the brain surface.
Findings:
- Microscopic examination showed foreign-body reactions to iodized oil, forming ossified structures.
- The pathology was consistent with foreign-body granulomatous meningitis.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare, late-onset complication of iodized oil myelography.
- Retained iodized oil can lead to chronic inflammation and neurological deficits.
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