Non-alcoholic Wernicke's Encephalopathy Masquerading As CNS Relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Recommended Citation
Chaudhary AJ, Joyce KM, Haq K, Qureshi MH, and Donthireddy V. Non-alcoholic Wernicke's Encephalopathy Masquerading As CNS Relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cureus 2024; 16(5):e61184.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2024
Publication Title
Cureus
Abstract
While Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is mostly caused by thiamine deficiency secondary to chronic alcohol use, other conditions that may affect one's nutritional status, such as bariatric surgery, hyperemesis gravidarum, chronic gastrointestinal disease, HIV/AIDS, and certain malignancies, may also lead to this outcome. We are discussing one such case, WE, in a young man with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent chemotherapy. The patient presented with blurred vision, paresthesia, weakness, and vomiting. Although he denied alcohol abuse, his symptoms, physical exam findings, and MRI results were consistent with WE. Treatment with thiamine resulted in a significant improvement in his visual disturbances and mental status. The authors highlight the importance of recognizing WE in non-alcoholic patients, particularly those undergoing prolonged hospitalization and chemotherapy, as nutritional deficiencies can develop. They recommend thiamine supplementation for patients receiving chemotherapy and those with poor oral intake. The case underscores the need for high clinical suspicion and early intervention in atypical cases of WE.
PubMed ID
38933646
Volume
16
Issue
5
First Page
61184
Last Page
61184
