Korean J Med.  2004 Nov;67(Suppl 3):S736-S739.

A case of transient cortical blindness following coronary angiography

• Chae JI
• Jung HJ
• Choi WY
• Kim KM
• Kim JH
• Kim SH

Abstract

Transient cortical blindness is a known but rare complication occurring in 0.3~1% of patients undergoing cerebral or vertebral angiography. It is an extremely rare complication following cardiac catheterizaton and coronary arteriography. Cortical blindness is characterized by complete loss of visual perception and optokinetic nystagmus with preservation of ocular motility, pupillary responses, and normal fundoscopic examination. It has been suggested that its occurrence is due to an adverse reaction to the contrast agent, which causes an osmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Patients outcome appears to be generally favorable with return of vision within 24-48 hr. We report a case of 48 year-old male patient with transient bilateral cortical blindness after coronary angiography.

Keyword

Coronary angiography; Cortical blindness

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Blindness, Cortical*
Blood-Brain Barrier
Coronary Angiography*
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Nystagmus, Optokinetic
Visual Perception