Nonconvulsive status epilepticus after intravenous contrast medium administration.

PURPOSE

We describe a 52-year-old man with a glioblastoma multiforme who had a prolonged partial seizure immediately after undergoing a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head with intravenous contrast medium.

METHODS

Earlier computed tomography (CT) had demonstrated a ring-enhancing hypodense mass. The patient was treated with a regimen of intravenous Tirapazamine and brain irradiation. After CT scan performed on the day of his second hospitalization, the patient became aphasic. EEG showed continuous high-voltage semirhythmic sharp and slow waves in the left posterior temporal and parietal regions consistent with status epilepticus (SE). Intravenous lorazepam and a loading dose of phenytoin were administered.

RESULTS

On the next morning, the patient's condition had improved almost to baseline. He had no recurrent seizures. EEG at 2-month follow-up showed no epileptiform discharges.

CONCLUSION

This appears to be the first reported case of contrast medium-induced status epilepticus.