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Contrast-induced encephalopathy in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: What the nephrologist needs to know
Víctor Joaquín Escudero-Saiz1, Nathalie Melissa Romani2, Pastora Rodríguez3
1Servicio de Nefrología y Trasplante Renal, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a neurological complication from contrast media. Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease; symptoms are non-specific, but recovery is typical within 72 hours.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Radiology
Background:
- Contrast media used in imaging and endovascular procedures can cause neurological complications.
- Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare but significant adverse event.
- Risk factors for CIE include pre-existing conditions and contrast properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of contrast-induced encephalopathy.
- To highlight the importance of awareness among nephrologists regarding CIE in patients undergoing procedures with contrast media.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of contrast-induced encephalopathy.
- Analysis of risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies.
- Focus on the role of hemodialysis in managing CIE.
Main Results:
- CIE symptoms are non-specific, including altered consciousness, focal deficits, and seizures.
- Diagnosis is by exclusion, ruling out stroke; CT/MRI aid differentiation.
- Most cases resolve within 48-72 hours, but prolonged symptoms can occur.
Conclusions:
- Nephrologists must be aware of CIE, especially in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD).
- Supportive care and, in some cases, kidney replacement therapy (KRT) like HD are key treatment components.
- Early recognition and management are crucial for patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Contrast-induced encephalopathy is a neurological complication related to contrast used in endovascular procedures or computed tomography (CT). The main risk factors are arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperosmolar contrasts, the amount of infused contrast and its direct infusion in the posterior cerebral territory, or pathologies with blood-brain barrier damage. Symptomatology is non-specific and may present as altered level of consciousness, neurological focality or seizures. Diagnosis is done by exclusion after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke has been ruled out; CT or MRI are useful for differentiation. Generally, it appears shortly after exposure and the symptoms lasts 48-72h with complete recovery, although cases with persistence of symptoms or longer duration have been described. Treatment consists of monitoring, supportive measures and kidney replacement therapy (KRT) with hemodialysis (HD) in patients in chronic KRT program. It is important for the nephrologist to be aware of this entity given the susceptibility of the patient on HD as well as its potential therapeutic role in these patients.
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