Case Report: Transient cortical blindness following coronary angiography

F1000Res. 2021 Jun 3:10:439. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.50821.2. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Temporary blindness, also known as transient cortical blindness, is an uncommon impediment of contrast agent usage during angiography procedures. The occurrence of blindness after a cardiac catheterization procedure is rare and its pathophysiology remains largely speculative. The most probable mechanism seems to be contrast agent-related disruption of the blood-brain barrier, possibly initiated by several predisposing factors. This case reports a 52-year-old man with transient vision loss that occurred following coronary angiography. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no acute pathology and his vision spontaneously returned within approximately 15 hours post-procedure without any requirement of specific therapy. Suggesting that transient cortical blindness may have occurred following coronary angiography which subsequently self-resolved.

Keywords: case report; contrast induced blindness; contrast reaction; transient blindness during coronary angiography; transient cortical blindness.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blindness, Cortical* / diagnostic imaging
  • Blindness, Cortical* / etiology
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Contrast Media
  • Coronary Angiography / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Contrast Media

Grants and funding

The writing and publication of this study was supported by LPDP (Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education).