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Review
. 2012:2012:236148.
doi: 10.1155/2012/236148. Epub 2012 Jul 30.

HCV-related nervous system disorders

Salvatore Monaco  1 , Sergio Ferrari, Alberto Gajofatto, Gianluigi Zanusso, Sara Mariotto
Affiliations
Review

HCV-related nervous system disorders

Salvatore Monaco et al. Clin Dev Immunol. 2012.

Abstract

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with a wide spectrum of extrahepatic manifestations, affecting different organ systems. Neurological complications occur in a large number of patients and range from peripheral neuropathy to cognitive impairment. Pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for nervous system dysfunction are mainly related to the upregulation of the host immune response with production of autoantibodies, immune complexes, and cryoglobulins. Alternative mechanisms include possible extrahepatic replication of HCV in neural tissues and the effects of circulating inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Axial FLAIR MRI of the brain showing periventricular hyperintense areas in a patient with chronic HCV infection and cognitive changes.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sagittal (a) and axial (b) T2-weighted MRI sequences disclose cervical spinal cord hyperintensity in a patient with HCV-related myelitis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Clinical patterns of PNS involvement in HCV infection.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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