Contrast-Induced Encephalopathy: A Rare Complication in a Patient on Peritoneal Dialysis with Several Risk Factors

Major adverse renal and cardiovascular events are reported for high-risk patients undergoing intra-arterial procedures, even if performed with iso-osmolar contrast media (CM). We report a case of contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) in a peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient, affected by diabetes, hypertension, and chronic heart failure. A 78-year-old PD patient (diuresis 1,000 mL) underwent a percutaneous angioplasty of the carotid. Immediately after the exam, he developed mental confusion and aphasia. Encephalic computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging excluded ischemia or hemorrhage, but both showed cerebral edema; EEG showed right hemisphere abnormalities, sequelae of recent ischemia. Mannitol and steroids were administered to reduce edema, and additional PD exchange was performed with depurative aim. Within 2 days the patient completely recovered. CIE mimics severe neurological diseases, and it should be considered as differential diagnosis if symptoms come out soon after intra-arterial administration of CM, especially in high-risk patients. Our patient suffered from diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, chronic heart failure, which are possible contributing factors to the development of CIE. Moreover, this clinical scenario is noteworthy because the development in a patient who underwent PD had never been described before.