Wernicke's encephalopathy: rare complication of hyperemesis gravidarum

Abstract

Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a rare disease, resulting from severe thiamine deficiency (vitamin B1). Alcoholic subjects are most often affected, but it may occur outside of this addiction. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard imaging modality to confirm the diagnosis. This pathology manifests itself in T2-weighted hyperintensity in the periaqueducal, thalami and mammillary bodies. A suitable treatment makes it possible to avoid heavy sequelae. We report the case of a 23-year-old woman, pregnant with 12 weeks of amenorrhea, with diplopia, headache and abundant vomiting, reffering to Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Key words: Wernicke’s encephalopathy, vitamin B1, Magnetic resonance imaging, hyperemesis gravidarum.