Pancreatic encephalopathy: a 7-year follow-up case report and review of the literature

Neurol Sci. 2002 Oct;23(4):203-5. doi: 10.1007/s100720200063.

Abstract

Pancreatic encephalopathy is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis. Clinical features include focal neurological signs and acute onset of dementia. This picture can fluctuate over time: cyclic progression with remission and relapses has been described. We present the case of a 43-year-old man who, after an acute episode of pancreatitis, experienced five relapses, with alternating focal signs. The patient has improved, but cognitive impairment persists after a 7-year follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Amylases / blood
  • Ataxia / etiology
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Brain Diseases / etiology*
  • Brain Diseases / therapy
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Progression
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Pancreatitis / complications*
  • Pancreatitis / therapy
  • Paresis / etiology
  • Recurrence
  • Remission, Spontaneous

Substances

  • Amylases