Skew deviation as a complication of cardiac catheterization

Abstract PURPOSE: To report three patients who developed diplopia and skew deviation after cardiac catheterization. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Three patients complained of diplopia after cardiac catheterization for myocardial infarction (two male patients) or aortic dissection (one female patient). Examination demonstrated skew deviation in each patient. RESULTS: Diplopia and skew deviation were mild and resolved completely in 4 months (case 1), 16 months (case 2), and 1.5 months (case 3). Sensitive signs of minor ischemic damage to the brain stem that cause such disorders are not detectable by neuroimaging. CONCLUSION: Rarely, cardiac catheterization may be complicated by diplopia and skew deviation.