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Minimal hepatic encephalopathy: current clinical and pathogenetic aspects
I V Damulin1,2
1I.M. First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
The review considers modern ideas about the clinic and pathogenesis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). It is discussed the present of cognitive impairment in this category of patients. The data of functional MRI are analyzed, and these results allow taking a fresh look at the origin of clinical disorders in this condition. The importance of cerebral connections disruption is emphasized. It is focused on the fact that in the functioning of the central nervous system the spontaneous activity of the brain has a significant importance. Separately is analyzed "the resting state". It is concluded that MHE, despite its minimal manifestations, is a clinically significant condition requiring attention of a specialists. With that, it is often not diagnosed on time in clinical practice, which could lead to more severe damage of the cerebral functions. As evidenced by the data obtained at the present time, quite extensive changes in the neuronal activity are underlid of the cognitive deficit.
Insights
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) involves cognitive impairment due to disrupted brain connections. Early diagnosis is crucial as MHE significantly impacts brain function and often goes unrecognized.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) presents with subtle cognitive deficits.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of MHE is essential for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current concepts on the clinical presentation and pathogenesis of MHE.
- To analyze functional MRI data for insights into MHE's underlying mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of modern literature on MHE.
- Analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data.
- Examination of spontaneous brain activity and resting-state networks.
Main Results:
- Cognitive impairment is a key feature of MHE.
- Disruption of cerebral connections and altered spontaneous brain activity are implicated in MHE pathogenesis.
- fMRI data offer new perspectives on the origins of MHE-related clinical disorders.
Conclusions:
- MHE is a clinically significant condition despite minimal symptoms.
- Delayed diagnosis of MHE can lead to severe cerebral function damage.
- Cognitive deficits in MHE are associated with substantial changes in neuronal activity.
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