K S Jeng1, S H Chu2, C C Huang3, C K Lin4, C C Lin4, K H Chen2. 1. Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address: kevin.ksjeng@gmail.com. 2. Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. 3. Department of Radiology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. 4. Division of Gastroenterology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Loss of speech after living-related liver transplantation is uncommon. Either immunosuppressive agents, related sequelae, or a neurological event may cause it. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old man developed dysarthria and dysphagia on the 10th day after living-related donor liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis with Child-Pugh class C. Brain magnetic resonance images and electroencephalograms could not detect any lesion, but the diffusion tensor image showed a subacute lacunar infarction at right midbrain. The patient's speech improved 1 month after rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Some unexpected neurological events, such as loss of speech, may occur after liver transplantation. The differential diagnosis becomes very important before active treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging supplemented with diffusion tensor imaging is an effective imaging study in establishing the diagnosis.
INTRODUCTION: Loss of speech after living-related liver transplantation is uncommon. Either immunosuppressive agents, related sequelae, or a neurological event may cause it. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old man developed dysarthria and dysphagia on the 10th day after living-related donor liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis with Child-Pugh class C. Brain magnetic resonance images and electroencephalograms could not detect any lesion, but the diffusion tensor image showed a subacute lacunar infarction at right midbrain. The patient's speech improved 1 month after rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Some unexpected neurological events, such as loss of speech, may occur after liver transplantation. The differential diagnosis becomes very important before active treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging supplemented with diffusion tensor imaging is an effective imaging study in establishing the diagnosis.