Complicated Coronary Artery Angiography with Transient Cortical Blindness

Abstract

Coronary artery angiography became the golden tool for coronary artery disease management. Transient cortical blindness following coronary angiography (TCBCA) is a rare complication of coronary artery angiography, in comparison with the other common complications. The neurotoxic effect of contrast medium is the possible cause of this clinical phenomenon, by disrupting blood brain barriers (BBB). TCBCA usually occurs during or immediately after coronary artery angiography. The clinical picture includes loss of vision that progressively resolves within hours or days. Ophthalmologic examination reveals normal structural findings, while computed tomography scan (CT scan) may show contrast accumulation in the occipital area. No current clinical protocols to manage this condition, except of excluding other possible causes of blindness after coronary artery angiography. Further well-organized studies are recommended to understand this clinical phenomenon, and more effort is needed to set a variety of interventional strategies regarding TCBCA management.