Reversal of parkinsonism and portosystemic encephalopathy following embolization of a congenital intrahepatic venous shunt: brain MR imaging and 1H spectroscopic findings

Abstract

Parkinsonism and portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE) are cerebral disorders associated with motor and neuropsychological dysfunctions that may occur in patients with chronic liver disease. We describe a patient with parkinsonism and neuroradiologic and 1H spectroscopic findings of PSE associated with a large congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt. Chronic liver disease was absent. After endovascular treatment, we documented a progressive reversal of parkinsonism and PSE on the basis of clinical, neuroradiologic, and spectroscopic criteria.