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Serial electroencephalograms in a patient with D-lactic acidosis
K Spillane1, K Nagendran, P F Prior
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital and Medical College, West Smithfield, London, UK.
Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|November 1, 1994
Summary
D-lactic acidosis, a rare condition, can cause recurrent encephalopathy in patients with a history of bowel surgery. Electroencephalography (EEG) changes may be non-specific but correlate with clinical and biochemical findings.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Encephalopathy is a complex neurological disorder often associated with metabolic disturbances.
- Previous bowel surgery, particularly extensive small bowel resection, can alter gut microbiota and metabolism.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of bowel surgery experienced recurrent episodes of encephalopathy.
- Serial electroencephalography (EEG) was performed to monitor neurological function.
- Biochemical analysis confirmed the presence of D-lactic acidosis during encephalopathic episodes.
Findings:
- The EEG demonstrated significant changes that closely paralleled the patient's clinical condition and biochemical abnormalities.
- Despite the marked EEG abnormalities, they were found to be non-specific for D-lactic acidosis.
Implications:
- D-lactic acidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy, especially in patients with a history of bowel disease or surgery.
- Early biochemical testing is crucial for diagnosing D-lactic acidosis in at-risk patients.
- Further research may elucidate specific EEG patterns or diagnostic markers for D-lactic acidosis-induced encephalopathy.