Ceguera cortical y amnesia global transitoria luego de arteriografía con iopamidol en miembro superior / Transient cortex blindness and global amnesia after performing left arm arteriography using iopamidol

RESUMEN Los medios de contraste iodados pueden presentar diferentes efectos adversos, siendo los más frecuentes daño renal y reacciones de hipersensibilidad. La ceguera cortical y amnesia global transitoria son complicaciones neurológicas raras descritas tras la administración de medios de contraste. Reportamos el caso de un paciente de 63 años, hipertenso que acude por cianosis, frialdad del segundo y tercer dedo de mano izquierda. Es sometido a arteriografía de miembro superior, usando 50 mL de iopamidol e inmediatamente desarrolla cefalea occipital asociada a visión borrosa bilateral que progresa rápidamente a ceguera; la tomografía cerebral reveló hiperdensidades subaracnoideas occipitales, sin efecto de masa. A las dieciocho horas del evento, el paciente presenta amnesia anterógrada con persistencia de amaurosis. Su tomografía cerebral de control no muestra trastornos focales. El paciente cursa con evolución favorable, la amaurosis bilateral y la cefalea ceden a las treinta horas del evento y es dado de alta sin mayores eventualidades a los diez días.

ABSTRACT Iodinated contrast substances may cause different adverse events, most frequently renal involvement and hypersensitivity reactions. Transient cortical blindness and global amnesia are rarely described neurological complications after the administration of contrast substances. We report the case of a 63-year old patient with high blood pressure who presented with cyanosis and cold sensation affecting the second and third digits of his left hand. The patient underwent an arteriography of the left arm, where 50-mL of iopamidol was used as a contrast substance, and he immediately developed occipital headache associated to bilateral blurred vision that rapidly progressed to blindness. A cerebral computed tomography (CT) scan showed occipital subarachnoid hypodense areas, with no mass effect. Eighteen hours after the event, the patient showed retrograde amnesia with persistent amaurosis. His control cerebral CT scan did now show any focal disorder. The patient had a good progression, both bilateral amaurosis and headache subsided thirty hours after the event, and the patient was uneventfully discharged after ten days.

Optimization of magnetic resonance imaging protocol for the diagnosis of transient global amnesia / Otimização do protocolo de ressonância magnética para o diagnóstico por imagem da amnésia global transitória

Abstract Objective: To emphasize the most appropriate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion protocol for the detection of lesions that cause transient global amnesia, in order to perform an accurate examination, as well as to determine the ideal time point after the onset of symptoms to perform the examination. Materials and Methods: We evaluated five patients with a diagnosis of transient global amnesia treated between 2012 and 2015. We analyzed demographic characteristics, clinical data, symptom onset, diffusion techniques, and radiological findings. Examination techniques included a standard diffusion sequence (b value = 1000 s/mm2; slice thickness = 5 mm) and a optimized diffusion sequence (b value = 2000 s/mm2; slice thickness = 3 mm). Results: Brain MRI was performed at 24 h or 36 h after symptom onset, except in one patient, in whom it was performed at 12 h after (at which point no changes were seen) and repeated at 36 h after symptom onset (at which point it showed alterations in the right hippocampus). The standard and optimized diffusion sequences were both able to demonstrate focal changes in the hippocampi in all of the patients but one, in whom the changes were demonstrated only in the optimized sequence. Conclusion: MRI can confirm a clinical hypothesis of transient global amnesia. Knowledge of the optimal diffusion parameters and the ideal timing of diffusion-weighted imaging (> 24 h after symptom onset) are essential to improving diagnostic efficiency.

Resumo Objetivo: Enfatizar o protocolo de difusão mais adequado para detecção de lesões da amnésia global transitória, a fim de realizar um exame preciso, em tempo ideal, após o início dos sintomas. Materiais e Métodos: Foram analisados cinco pacientes com diagnóstico de amnésia global transitória atendidos entre 2012 e 2015, considerando-se dados demográficos, clínicos, tempo do início dos sintomas, técnicas de difusão e achados radiológicos. As técnicas incluíram uma sequência de difusão padrão (b = 1000 s/mm2; espessura do corte = 5 mm) e uma sequência de difusão otimizada (b = 2000 s/mm2; espessura de corte = 3 mm). Resultados: A ressonância magnética de encéfalo foi realizada após 24 ou 36 horas do início dos sintomas, exceto em um paciente, em que foi realizada após 12 horas (sem alterações) e repetida após 36 horas (mostrando alterações hipocampais). Em todos os pacientes foram demonstradas alterações focais na difusão no hipocampo em ambas as técnicas, exceto em um paciente, em que as alterações foram demonstradas apenas na sequência otimizada. Conclusão: A ressonância magnética é capaz de confirmar a hipótese clínica de amnésia global transitória. O conhecimento dos parâmetros ótimos da técnica de difusão e o melhor tempo para a detecção das alterações (> 24 horas) são essenciais para aprimorar a eficiência diagnóstica.

Transient global amnesia associated with sildenafil use: report of one case / Amnesia global transitoria asociada al uso de sildenafil: informe de un caso

ABSTRACT A 69 years old male with erectile dysfunction lasting 2 years, took 50 mg of sildenafil for having sex with his wife at about 6 o'clock in the morning. One hour later his wife detected that he had an anterograde memory impairment: this was interpreted as a confusional state. The neurological examination suggested a transient global amnesia (TGA). EEG and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging were non-informative and memory deficits resolved within 24 h. Therefore, a TGA was diagnosed. Since no other trigger was detectable, sildenafil was deemed responsible for its occurrence,

Se reporta el caso de un individuo de sexo masculino de 69 años con disfunción eréctil, que ingiere 50 mg de sildenafil con objetivo de facilitar el mantener relaciones sexuales con su esposa. Una hora después, su esposa nota que su marido presenta una alteración de su memoria anterógrada, lo que fue interpretado como un estado confusional. Evaluado clínicamente su examen neurológico es sugerente de una amnesia transitoria anterógrada. El EEG y las imágenes por resonancia magnética no muestran hallazgos significativos y el déficit de memoria remite dentro de 24 h. en vista de su evolución, se diagnostica una amnesia global transitoria. Como no se identifica otro gatillante, se consideró que el cuadro fue causado por sildenafil..

Transient global amnesia: clinical features and prognostic factors suggesting recurrence / Amnesia global transitoria: características clínicas y factores pronósticos sugestivos de recurrencia

ABSTRACT The risk of recurrence of new amnesia events in patients having previously experienced transient global amnesia (TGA) ranges between 2.9-23.8%. Objective: Our objective was to search for recurrence predictors in TGA patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis to identify recurrence predictors in a cohort of 203 TGA patients from a single center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, diagnosed between January 2011 and March 2017 Clinical features and complementary studies (laboratory results, jugular vein Doppler ultrasound and brain MRI) were analyzed. Comparison between patients with recurrent versus single episode TGA was performed, applying a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Mean age at presentation was 65 years (20-84); 52% were female. Median time elapsed between symptom onset and ER visit was two hours, with the average episode duration lasting four hours. Mean follow-up was 22 months. Sixty-six percent of patients referred to an identifiable trigger. Jugular reflux was present in 66% of patients; and 22% showed images with hippocampus restriction on diffusion-weighted MRI. Eight percent of patients had TGA recurrence. Patients with recurrent TGA had a more frequent history of migraine than patients without recurrence (37.5% vs. 14%; p = 0.03). None of the other clinical characteristics and complementary studies were predictors of increased risk of recurrence. Conclusions: Patients with migraine may have a higher risk of recurrent TGA. None of the other clinical characteristics evaluated allowed us to predict an increased risk of recurrence. Although the complementary studies allowed us to guide the diagnosis, they did not appear to have a significant impact on the prediction of recurrence risk.

RESUMEN El riesgo de recurrencia de nuevos eventos de amnesia en pacientes que han experimentado previamente Amnesia Global Transitoria (AGT) oscila entre el 2.9-23.8%. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue buscar predictores de recurrencia en pacientes con AGT. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de una cohorte de 203 pacientes con AGT de un único centro en Buenos Aires, Argentina, diagnosticados entre enero-2011 y marzo-2017 Se analizaron las características clínicas y los estudios complementarios (laboratorio, Doppler de vena yugular y RM encéfalo). Se comparó el grupo de AGT recurrente versus episodio único, aplicando un modelo de regresión logística multivariada. Resultados: la edad promedio de presentación fue de 65 años (20-84); 52% mujeres. La mediana del tiempo transcurrido entre el inicio de los síntomas y la visita a la sala de emergencia fue de 2 horas, con una duración promedio del episodio de 4 horas. El seguimiento medio fue de 22 meses. 66% de los pacientes tuvieron un desencadenante identificable. El reflujo yugular estuvo presente en el 66% de los pacientes y el 22% mostró imágenes restrictivas en DWI a nivel hipocampal. 8% de los pacientes presentaron recurrencia. Los pacientes con AGT recurrente tuvieron un historial de migraña más frecuente (37.5% vs. 14%; p=0.03). Ninguna de las otras características clínicas y estudios complementarios fueron predictores de mayor riesgo de recurrencia. Conclusiones: los pacientes con migraña pueden tener un mayor riesgo de recurrencia de AGT. Ninguna de las otras características clínicas evaluadas nos permitió predecir un mayor riesgo de recurrencia. Aunque los estudios complementarios nos permitieron orientar el diagnóstico, no pareció tener un impacto significativo en la predicción del riesgo de recurrencia.

Transient Global Amnesia Developed after Zolpidem Intake

We report two patients who complained of transient anterograde amnesia and repetitive questioning, that developed after taking zolpidem and lasted for several hours. The clinical manifestations of these patients fulfill the clinical criteria for transient global amnesia (TGA). The typical clinical manifestation of TGA following the consumption of zolpidem suggests a possible relationship associated with its drug mechanism.

Fatores associados à amnésia pós-traumática de longa duração / Factors associated with long-term post-traumatic amnesia / Fatores asociados a la amnesia post-traumática de larga duración

OBJETIVO: Identificar fatores relacionados à amnésia pós-traumática de longa duração. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo, longitudinal, com 187 vítimas de trauma cranioencefálico contuso, idade >14 anos, atendidos em hospital de referência para trauma. As variáveis independentes foram: idade, sexo, gravidade do trauma cranioencefálico, local e tipo de lesão, número de lesões encefálicas e uso de medicação com atividade em sistema nervoso central ou corticoides. RESULTADO: O modelo de regressão logística múltipla ajustado pela variável área de lesão (intra/extra axial) evidenciou: Escala de Coma de Glasgow inicial <12 (OR=20,17); Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale/cabeça >3 (OR=2,80) e uso de Fenitoína (OR=2,60), Midazolan (OR=2,83) ou ambas as drogas (OR=3,83). CONCLUSÃO: O uso do Midazolan e da Fenitoína, além da gravidade do trauma cranioencefálico, destacaram-se como fatores relacionados à amnésia de longa duração.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors related to post-traumatic amnesia of long duration. METHOD: A prospective, longitudinal study, with 187 victims of blunt head trauma, age >14 years, seen at a referral hospital for trauma. Independent variables included: age, sex, severity of head injury, location and type of injury, number of brain lesions, and use of medication with central nervous system activity or corticosteroids. RESULTS: The logistic regression model adjusted by the variable area of injury (intra / extra-axial) showed: an initial Glasgow Coma Scale of < 12 (OR = 20.17), Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale / head of >3 (OR = 2.80) and use of phenytoin (OR = 2.60), midazolam (OR = 2.83) or both drugs (OR = 3.83). CONCLUSION: The use of midazolam and phenytoin, and the severity of head injury, were identified as related factors for long-term amnesia.

OBJETIVO: Identificar factores relacionados a la amnesia post-traumática de larga duración. MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo, longitudinal, realizado con 187 víctimas de trauma craneoencefálico contuso, edad >14 años, atendidos en un hospital de referencia para trauma. Las variables independientes fueron: edad, sexo, gravedad del trauma craneoencefálico, local y tipo de lesión, número de lesiones encefálicas y uso de medicación con actividad en el sistema nervioso central o corticoides. RESULTADO: El modelo de regresión logística múltiple ajustado por la variable área de lesión (intra/extra axial) evidenció: Escala de Coma de Glasgow inicial < 12 (OR=20,17); Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale/cabeça >3 (OR=2,80) y uso de Fenitoína (OR=2,60), Midazolan (OR=2,83) o ambas drogas (OR=3,83). CONCLUSIÓN: El uso del Midazolan y de Fenitoína, además de la gravedad del trauma craneoencefálico, se destacaron como factores relacionados a la amnesia de larga duración.

Advances in transient global amnesia / 国际脑血管病杂志

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a disease with dramatic manifestations. It is often induced by the physical or psychogenic factors, and is characterized by a sudden onset of anterograde amnesia accompanied by repeated asking of questions, lasting for minutes or hours. The study of TGA mainly focused on the aspects of etiological and pathological mecha-nisms. Currently, there are several following hypotheses: Transient ischemic attack, epilepsy,migraine, cerebral venous ischemia or venous embolism, personality disorder or emotional stimulation. The prognosis of TGA is better with low recurrence rate. No specific treatment is needed. This article reviews the advances in research on TGA.

The clinical study and follow-up of transient global amnesia / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the etiology and clinical features of transient global amnesia.Methods Seven patients diagnosed as transient global amnesia were analyzed by EEG,TCD,MRI or CT examination,five pa- tients analyzed by single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT).EEG and TCD examination were done within 24 hours during the attack.And SPECT,MRI or CT examination were done within 1 week during the at- tack.Results Six patients showed normal EEG,one patient showed a few slow waves;seven patients showed verte- brobasilar ischemia in TCD;six patients showed normal but one patient showed lacunar infarction in brain CT or MRI;five patients showed significant hypoperfusion in different encephalic region in brain SPECT.They were all fol- lowed up for three to tewty-four months respectively,six patients had no recurrence,but one patient recurred one time and the SPECT demonstrated a decreased cerebral blood flow in the left temporal lobe.Conclusion Transient global amnesia patients showed cerebral ischemia.Transient global amnesia may be related to the decrease of rCBF in the temporal lobe or the temporal hippocampus.