Wernicke's encephalopathy: unusual contrast enhancement revealed by magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Wernicke's encephalopathy is a serious neurologic disorder caused by vitamin-B1 or thiamine deficiency. The classical triad of clinical symptoms described by Wernicke (gait ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, and confusion) are found in only a third of patients upon initial examination. Typical findings upon MR imaging in patients with Wernicke's encephalopathy are well documented, with signal intensities in the medial thalami and periaqueductal regions of the midbrain. We report a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy revealing an unusual contrast enhancement. It is therefore important to note that the acute stage of Wernicke's encephalopathy may be associated with an intense contrast enhancement upon MR-imaging reflecting the disruption of the blood-brain barrier and inflammatory processes caused by thiamine deficiency. As a consequence from the guideline for managing Wernicke's encephalopathy by the Royal College of Physicians early B-vitamin treatment in suspected is recommended cases.