Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

A Stably Established Two-Point Injection of Lysophosphatidylcholine-Induced Focal Demyelination Model in Mice
04:55

A Stably Established Two-Point Injection of Lysophosphatidylcholine-Induced Focal Demyelination Model in Mice

Published on: May 11, 2022

Clinical features of hepatic myelopathy in patients with chronic liver disease

Y H Yin1, Z J Ma, Y H Guan

  • 1Department of Neurology, the First Clinical Medical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, PR China.

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|March 31, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hepatic myelopathy (HM) in Harbin predominantly affects middle-aged men with chronic liver disease (CLD) and a history of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Key indicators include lower limb spastic paralysis, elevated blood ammonia, and abnormal EEG.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Hepatology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Hepatic myelopathy (HM) is a rare neurological complication of chronic liver disease (CLD).
  • Understanding HM's clinical features is crucial for early diagnosis and management in affected populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the clinical features of hepatic myelopathy (HM) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) in Harbin, China.
  • To identify diagnostic indicators for HM in this specific patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical files from 13 HM patients identified among 500 CLD patients in Harbin.
  • Comparison of clinical features between HM patients and a control group of CLD patients without HM.
  • Detailed analysis of HM patient characteristics, including etiology, history of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and diagnostic test results.

Main Results:

  • HM predominantly affected middle-aged men (12 males/1 female) with CLD, often caused by post-hepatitis B.
  • All HM patients experienced relapsing hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and showed electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities.
  • Bilateral lower limb spastic paralysis was a key clinical manifestation; hypoproteinaemia, elevated blood ammonia, and abnormal EEG were sensitive diagnostic indicators.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatic myelopathy in Harbin is primarily diagnosed in middle-aged men with CLD, often linked to viral hepatitis and recurrent HE.
  • Bilateral lower limb spastic paralysis, hypoproteinaemia, elevated blood ammonia, and abnormal EEG are significant diagnostic markers for HM.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis09:41

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: July 19, 2019

Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines09:46

Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

Published on: September 21, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...