Stage IV hepatic encephalopathy associated with acute blindness after liver transplantation

Pediatr Transplant. 2003 Dec;7(6):497-500. doi: 10.1046/j.1397-3142.2003.00118.x.

Abstract

A 5-yr-old boy who diagnosed acute liver failure and Stage IV hepatic encephalopathy underwent living related liver transplantation and awakened with persistent hand motions visual loss. Serum Tacrolimus, electrolytes, magnesium levels were normal as well as blood pressure. His neurologic and opthamologic examinations were otherwise normal. Visual evoked potential (VEP) was prolonged and brain magnetic resonance immaging (MRI) revealed bilateral parietooccipital white matter signal abnormalities with gliosis. During follow up his visual loss resolved spontoneously as well as the VEP and MRI abnormalities. In this case we aimed to point out hepatic encephalopathy might be a cause of postoperative visual loss and serial VEP analysis is an important diagnostic tool for monitoring visual function of liver graft recipients in the post-operative period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Blindness / etiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male