Korean J Hematol.  2010 Dec;45(4):279-281. 10.5045/kjh.2010.45.4.279.

Wernicke's encephalopathy following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

• Choi YJ
• Park SJ
• Kim JS
• Kang EJ
• Choi CW
• Kim BS

• KMID: 2252042
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5045/kjh.2010.45.4.279

Abstract

Wernicke's encephalopathy is caused by thiamine deficiency, and is characterized by acute mental confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. It is also a rare neurologic complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, because of its rare incidence, Wernicke's encephalopathy can easily be overlooked in HSCT patients, and a few misleading steps in the early stage of the disease may result in permanent neurologic disability or even mortality. We recently encountered a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy in a patient who underwent allogeneic HSCT. Based on our own experience and previously published documents, we suggest early radiologic surveillance and treatment for patients with findings compatible with Wernicke's encephalopathy following HSCT.

Keyword

Wernicke's encephalopathy; Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Thiamine

MeSH Terms

Ataxia
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Humans
Incidence
Ophthalmoplegia
Thiamine
Thiamine Deficiency
Wernicke Encephalopathy
Thiamine

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) Increased signal intensities in both medial thalami compatible with Wernicke's encephalopathy clearly seen on a T2-weighted gradient-recalled echo image. (B) Relatively decreased signal intensities in both thalami seen on a T2-weighted image taken 3 months later.

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