Cerebral haematoma and diffuse cerebral hemorrhage in the context of chronic viral liver disease with severe metabolic disorder of hemostasis: Observations on a series of 7 cases

Abstract

The aim of our study was to describe some characteristics of a series of 7 cases with subdural (4), extradural (1) and intracerebral hemorrhage (2) associated with chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis in the context of long-term infection with B and C viruses. We collected data regarding hepatic dysfunction (ALT, AST) and hemostatic disorder (blood platelet count, prothrombin time and Howell test). In conclusion, patients with chronic and cirrhotic liver disease and a severe hemostatic syndrome should investigated neurosurgically in order to prevent intracerebral hemorrhage and hematoma. An important laboratory alarm signal could consider an important decrease of blood platelet count and a prolonged prothrombin time and a pathologic Howell test.