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Inadvertent use of ionic contrast material in myelography: case report and management guidelines
E Rivera1, M Hardjasudarma, B K Willis
1Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport, USA.
Insights
A rare adverse reaction to myelography contrast medium caused severe neurological symptoms. Prompt intervention, including paralysis and anticonvulsants, significantly improved patient survival chances.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Myelography is an imaging procedure used to diagnose spinal conditions.
- Ionic contrast media, while effective, carry potential risks.
- Adverse reactions can range from mild to life-threatening.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing myelography for low back pain experienced an inadvertent injection of ionic contrast medium.
- Immediate symptoms included lower extremity muscle spasms, respiratory distress, and myoclonus.
- The patient developed status epilepticus, confirmed by electroencephalographic monitoring.
Findings:
- Rapid intervention with intravenous fluids, antihistamines, oxygen, intubation, neuromuscular blockade, and anticonvulsant therapy was initiated.
- Cerebrospinal fluid drainage was performed to manage intracranial pressure.
- The patient's status epilepticus resolved, and complications like rhabdomyolysis and renal failure were prevented.
Implications:
- Prompt identification and management of contrast medium errors are critical for patient survival.
- A multi-modal treatment approach including elective paralysis, anticonvulsants, and CSF drainage is recommended.
- Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes in severe contrast-induced neurotoxicity.
Abstract:
A 38-year-old man with chronic low back pain underwent myelography and was inadvertently injected with ionic contrast medium. Within minutes, he started complaining of muscle spasms in his lower extremities, followed by respiratory distress and myoclonus. Immediate intravenous treatment with fluids, antihistamines, and supplemental oxygen was started. Within 1 hour after the myelogram, he was intubated and paralyzed with a neuromuscular blocking agent. Shortly thereafter, he began receiving triple anticonvulsant therapy and a lumbar drain was inserted to allow for the evacuation of cerebrospinal fluid. Electroencephalographic monitoring, which initially showed that the patient was in status epilepticus, subsequently showed no more episodes of seizure activity. Massive rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, and metabolic derangement were prevented. He was then extubated and regained full consciousness. He was discharged on the 13th day of hospitalization with mild amnesia and some cognitive dysfunction. A review of the literature reveals descriptions of 9 of 15 patients who survived similar episodes. We conclude that prompt identification of the contrast medium error and prompt intervention are crucial to increase significantly the chances of survival. Elective paralysis, anticonvulsant therapy, and cerebrospinal fluid drainage are the recommended modes of treatment.
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