Contrast-induced seizures after cardiac catheterization in a 6-year-old child

Valeria Sansone1, Lucienne Piazza, Gianfranco Butera

  • 1Department of Neurology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy. valeria.sansone@unimi.it <valeria.sansone@unimi.it>

Pediatric Neurology
|April 18, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Contrast-induced seizures are a rare complication of cardiac catheterization in children. This case highlights the importance of considering this diagnosis in pediatric patients experiencing seizures after the procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Neurologic complications following cardiac catheterization are typically embolic, leading to stroke or seizures.
  • Contrast-induced seizures are an uncommon but documented adverse effect, particularly in pediatric populations.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old female underwent cardiac catheterization for aortic coarctation.
  • The patient subsequently developed generalized seizures attributed to the contrast agent used during the procedure.

Findings:

  • This case report details the clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, and follow-up of a child experiencing contrast-induced seizures.
  • The event was linked to cardiac catheterization for aortic coarctation.

Implications:

  • Contrast-induced seizures represent a distinct neurologic complication of cardiac catheterization in children.
  • Recognition of this condition is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of seizures in pediatric patients post-procedure.

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