Loss of speech after living-related donor liver transplantation: detection of the lesion by diffusion tensor image.

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.