Liver transplantation in a patient with rapid onset parkinsonism-dementia complex induced by manganism secondary to liver failure

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2007 Sep;65(3A):685-8. doi: 10.1590/s0004-282x2007000400027.

Abstract

Bilateral and symmetric globus-pallidus hyperintensities are observed on T1-weighted MRI in most of the patients with chronic liver failure, due to manganese accumulation. We report a 53-year-old man, with rapid onset parkinsonism-dementia complex associated with accumulation of manganese in the brain, secondary to liver failure. A brain MRI was performed and a high signal on T1-weighted images was seen on globus-pallidus, as well as on T2-weighted images on the hemispheric white-matter. He was referred to a liver-transplantation. The patient passed away on the seventh postoperative day. Our findings support the concept of the toxic effects of manganese on the globus-pallidus. The treatment of this form of parkinsonism is controversial and liver-transplantation should not be considered as first line treatment but as an alternative one.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dementia / chemically induced
  • Dementia / pathology
  • Dementia / surgery*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Globus Pallidus / pathology
  • Globus Pallidus / surgery
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure / complications
  • Liver Failure / surgery*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Manganese Poisoning / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / chemically induced
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / pathology
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / surgery*