Acute Orbital Edema Causing Reversible Blindness After the Administration of Intravenous Contrast Agent in a Patient With Thyroid Eye Disease

A 55-year-old white woman with severe thyroid eye disease developed marked orbital edema following the administration of intravenous contrast media with complete loss of vision over a 10-minute period while in the radiology waiting room. She was immediately treated with intravenous methylprednisolone with recovery of precontrast visual acuity and resolution of orbital edema. She underwent orbital decompression 2 weeks later and is currently doing well. This potential complication, although rare, should be recognized and treated immediately.