Main Article Content
Is the routine use of intravenous contrast justified in the workup of adult-onset seizure patients with a normal pre-contrast brain scan?
Abstract
The indications for the administration of intravenous contrast media to
adult patients presenting with firsttime seizures and a normal pre-contrast
study are not clear. A retrospective audit of such patients was done
and compared with the post-contrast study. In our study sample of 205
patients all the post-contrast scans were reported as normal, indicating
that contrast can be omitted if the precontrast study was normal. This only
applies to computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging was not
included.
adult patients presenting with firsttime seizures and a normal pre-contrast
study are not clear. A retrospective audit of such patients was done
and compared with the post-contrast study. In our study sample of 205
patients all the post-contrast scans were reported as normal, indicating
that contrast can be omitted if the precontrast study was normal. This only
applies to computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging was not
included.