Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Mutism/speech apraxia has been well documented as a toxic effect of cyclosporine after liver transplantation but has been reported only rarely with tacrolimus. Brain imaging with magnetic resonance or computed tomography has failed to demonstrate abnormalities in affected patients. METHODS: We present the first example of an acute onset of loss of speech associated with a sudden elevation of serum tacrolimus level after successful orthotopic liver transplantation. We also describe the positron emission tomography (PET) scan of this patient's brain. RESULTS: PET scan imaging of the brain was abnormal, demonstrating decreased metabolism in the posterior temporo-parieto-occipital regions. Statistical probability mapping revealed additional areas of hypometabolism in the cingulate gyrus. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | D J Bronster, A Gurkan, M S Buchsbaum, S Emre |
Journal | Transplantation
(Transplantation)
Vol. 70
Issue 6
Pg. 979-82
(Sep 27 2000)
ISSN: 0041-1337 [Print] United States |
PMID | 11014653
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Brain
(diagnostic imaging)
- Humans
- Liver Transplantation
(adverse effects)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mutism
(chemically induced, etiology)
- Tacrolimus
(adverse effects, blood)
- Tomography, Emission-Computed
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