Seeing double: Transient third nerve palsy after cardiac catheterization

A wide variety of neurologic complications have been described after cardiac catheterization, with cerebrovascular accidents and neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations being the most common. Here we report a case of transient third nerve palsy following diagnostic cardiac catheterization. A 59-year-old male presented to the hospital with complaints of diplopia at all gazes after a diagnostic left heart catheterization. Physical examination revealed limitation on adduction, supra-and infraduction in the right eye, and right hypertropia on all gazes suggestive of third nerve palsy. He had normal visual acuity with correction, a normal retinal exam, and an otherwise benign neurologic exam. Neuroimaging was negative. After the patient's symptoms improved, he was discharged home with risk factor modification strategy including anti-platelet therapy, statin and beta-blocker. (C) 2013 The Czech Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp.z.o.o. All rights reserved.