Hepatocerebral degeneration

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Changes in hepatocerebral degeneration in the MRI, especially in the globus pallidus: hyperintense in T1 native

As Hepatozerebrale degeneration refers to an injury to the brain or parts thereof, which is caused by a liver damage with corresponding changes in metabolism. In particular, a reduced detoxification function of the liver leads to increased concentrations of ammonia and other toxins in the blood, which in turn damage the brain. The cause of the liver damage can be varied.

Symptoms

  • Movement disorders
  • Limitations in intellectual capacity
  • Jaundice and other symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver

Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of the underlying liver disease, the usual methods of blood tests, sonography and other sectional image procedures as well as the clinic and, if necessary, a tissue sample of the liver with histological examination are available. With regard to the degeneration in the brain, computer tomography usually does not show any changes. The MRI typically showing in the basal ganglia in T1-weighted sequences, a native signal increase. The cause is suspected to be deposits of paramagnetic minerals, which can also be reversible after liver transplantation. T2-weighted images usually show no abnormalities. In the differential diagnosis, the signal changes described above are occasionally seen with long parenteral nutrition, but also with idiopathic calcifications. A Wilson's disease is to pull the differential diagnosis to consider.

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