Wernicke encephalopathy☆Clinical presentation and MR images in two nonalcoholic patients

The aim of the present study was to investigate the importance of and correlation between clinical presentations and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） of two different cases of nonalcoholic Wernicke encephalopathy. Case l ： A 63-year-old man with a diagnosis of incomplete mechanical intestinal obstruction. His abdominal symptoms were improved by gastrointestinal decompression, but blurred vision, hypoacusis, dizziness, and unsteady gait were noted. His illness deteriorated to confusion on day seven. MRI showed hyperintense lesions in the medial thalami, tectum of the midbrain, and the periaqueduct region on T2- and diffusion-weighted images. Thiamine therapy was commenced immediately with good results. Case 2： A 22-year-old woman was admitted for sudden-onset confabulation and unsteady gait after hyperemesis gravidarum. She had no history of alcohol or any medication. Brain MRI was normal. The patient experienced relief after Vitamin B1 treatment. These results suggest that brain MRI can define characteristic abnormalities in Wernicke encephalopathy, and that diffusion-weighted imaging may improve the diagnosis sensitivity. In addition, the MRI images may be correlated to the clinical stage and severity of the disease. Nevertheless, the clinical features are essential for correct diagnosis.

Wernicke encephalopathy Clinical presentation and MR images in two nonalcoholic patients

The aim of the present study was to investigate the importance of and correlation between clinical presentations and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of two different cases of nonalcoholic Wernicke encephalopathy. Case 1: A 63-year-old man with a diagnosis of incomplete mechanical intestinal obstruction. His abdominal symptoms were improved by gastrointestinal decompression, but blurred vision, hypoacusis, dizziness, and unsteady gait were noted. His illness deteriorated to confusion on day seven. MRI showed hyperintense lesions in the medial thalami, tectum of the midbrain, and the periaqueduct region on T2- and diffusion-weighted images. Thiamine therapy was commenced immediately with good results. Case 2: A 22-year-old woman was admitted for sudden-onset confabulation and unsteady gait after hyperemesis gravidarum. She had no history of alcohol or any medication. Brain MRI was normal. The patient experienced relief after Vitamin B1 treatment. These results suggest that brain MRI can define characteristic abnormalities in Wernicke encephalopathy, and that diffusion-weighted imaging may improve the diagnosis sensitivity. In addition, the MRI images may be correlated to the clinical stage and severity of the disease. Nevertheless, the clinical features are essential for correct diagnosis.