Portal-systemic encephalopathy, also called hepatic encephalopathy or hepatic coma, is a neuropsychiatric syndrome, characterized by impaired brain function.
The causes of portal-systemic encephalopathy include acute metabolic stress and disorders leading to increased gut protein: toxins, which normally are detoxified by liver, are accumulating in blood stream and affecting brain functioning.
Portal-systemic encephalopathy can be present in acute hepatitis with fulminant evolution. However, most common conditions associated with portal-systemic encephalopathy are chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis.
Neuropsychiatric signs of portal-systemic encephalopathy include sleep disturbance, impaired concentration, anxiety, depression, memory disorders, somnolence, confusion, disorientation and coma.