Cerebral flow and metabolism in experimental liver failure. A comparison between hepatectomy and total hepatic devascularization in pigs.

To evaluate the influence of necrotic liver tissue on the cerebral metabolism and cerebral function in acute liver failure, comparison was made between hepatectomy and total liver devascularization in pigs. In both groups the cerebral blood flow and glucose uptake were significantly decreased. The cerebral oxygen uptake was not reduced. The EEG frequency gradually fell from 12-14 Hz to 1-2 Hz, with intermittent and finally persistent flattening of cortical activity. The visual evoked potentials were unchanged throughout the observation period. The vascular autoregulation and the CO2-reactivity of cerebral circulation disappeared, indicating complete vasoparalysis. As no difference was found between the two groups, it is concluded that the encephalopathy was not due to intoxication from necrotic liver tissue in the abdominal cavity, but to deprivation of liver function.