Encephalopathy following arteriography: a possible toxic effect of contrast agents.

Three elderly men being evaluated for cerebrovascular disease developed acute confusional states following arteriography with approximately 50 ml of meglumine iothalamate. Two patients became stuporous. All recovered in several days, and no specific cause was found for the disorder. In the absence of other demonstrated abnormalities, we suggest that in each patient the encephalopathy may have been a toxic reaction to the contrast agent.