Case report--MR imaging of chronic persistent hepatic encephalopathy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex neuropsychiatric complication of liver dysfunction.
• Chronic persistent hepatic encephalopathy (CPHE) presents with sustained neurological deficits.
• Standard Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings in CPHE are not fully characterized.

Observation:

• This report details the MRI findings in a patient diagnosed with CPHE.
• The patient presented with mild cortical atrophy.
• Multiple symmetrical hyperintense lesions were noted on T2-weighted MRI sequences.

Findings:

• The observed MRI pattern, including cortical atrophy and specific lesion distribution, is unique.
• This specific combination of findings has not been previously reported in the medical literature for CPHE.
• T2-weighted imaging highlighted subtle but significant pathological changes in the brain parenchyma.

Implications:

• This case expands the spectrum of neuroimaging findings associated with CPHE.
• Further research may elucidate the pathophysiology underlying these specific MRI abnormalities.
• Enhanced understanding of CPHE neuroimaging can aid in diagnosis and management.