Purpose: We describe a 52-year-old man with a glioblastoma multiforme
who had a prolonged partial seizure immediately after undergoing a com
puted tomography (CT) scan of the head with intravenous contrast mediu
m. Methods: Earlier computed tomography (CT) had demonstrated a ring-e
nhancing hypodense mass. The patient was treated with a regimen of int
ravenous Tirapazamine and brain irradiation. After CT scan performed o
n the day of his second hospitalization, the patient became aphasic. E
EG showed continuous high-voltage semirhythmic sharp and slow waves in
the left posterior temporal and parietal regions consistent with stat
us epilepticus (SE). Intravenous lorazepam and a loading dose of pheny
toin were administered. Results: On the next morning, the patient's co
ndition had improved almost to baseline. He had no recurrent seizures.
EEG at 2-month follow-up showed no epileptiform discharges. Conclusio
n: This appears to be the first reported case of contrast medium-induc
ed status epilepticus.