[Prolonged reversible cortical blindness over 5 days after cardiac catheterization]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Radiology

Background:

• Coronary angiography is a common procedure for diagnosing heart conditions.
• Transient cortical blindness (TCB) is a rare but serious complication.

Observation:

• A 49-year-old man with angina pectoris developed TCB and focal neurological symptoms post-coronary angiography.
• Cranial MRI revealed no morphological changes.
• The patient developed complex focal epilepsy, treated symptomatically.

Findings:

• Vision was restored after 5 days of blindness, with full recovery on day 6.
• The exact mechanism of TCB remains speculative, with contrast dye toxicity being a potential cause.
• No specific treatment regime has proven effective for TCB.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for contrast dye-induced TCB following coronary angiography.
• Management focuses on intensive monitoring and risk factor control.
• Preventive strategies should consider the risks associated with selective cerebral angiography.