An uncommon presentation of Wernicke-Korsakoff's syndrome in pregnancy: Case report

• Published in: Radiology case reports Vol. 18; no. 3; pp. 921 - 925
• Main Authors: Cetera, Giulia Emily, D'Ambrosi, Francesco, Di Martino, Daniela Denis, Landi, Laura, Criscuolo, Stefania, Caschera, Luca, Cesano, Nicola, Ossola, Manuela Wally
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01-03-2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Case Report; Gestational hyperthyroidism; Magnetic resonance; pregnancy; Thiamine; Wernicke's encephalopathy; Gestational hyperthyroidism; Magnetic resonance; Thiamine; pregnancy; Wernicke's encephalopathy
• ISSN: 1930-0433; 1930-0433
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.11.061

Wernicke's encephalopathy is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Symptoms occur with an acute onset and may vary according to the brain area involved. Altered consciousness is the most common clinical feature, together with ocular abnormalities and ataxia. We report the case of a pregnant women affected by pre-gestational hyperthyroidism that caused an uncommon presentation of Wernicke's encephalopathy. Symptoms differed from the classic triad and diagnosis was made possible by a thorough analysis of anamnestic factors and brain MRI. Alongside thiamine supplementation, a multidisciplinary approach which included physiokinesis and a phoniatric support was fundamental for the patient's recovery.