Hepatic myelopathy after splenorenal shunting: report of one case and review of the literature

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2001 Apr-Jun;64(2):231-3.

Abstract

Hepatic myelopathy is a rare complication of cirrhosis, usually associated with surgical or spontaneous porto-systemic shunts. Its pathophysiology is unknown. It is characterized by a motor involvement of the lower limbs without clinical sensory abnormality, leading to spastic paraparesis. These neurological features are related to a symmetric loss of myelin in the lateral corticospinal tracts. Usefulness of liver transplantation in this setting is not yet determined. We describe here the case of a 29-year-old male who presented with progressive spastic paraparesis of the lower limbs 3 years after a spleno-renal shunt.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy / complications
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / complications
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications*
  • Male
  • Paraparesis, Spastic / etiology*
  • Splenorenal Shunt, Surgical / adverse effects*