Refeeding Syndrome and Non-Alcoholic Wernicke’s Encephalopathy in a Middle-aged Male Initially Presenting with Gallstone Pancreatitis: A Clinical Challenge

Abstract

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological condition characterized by ophthalmoplegia, ataxic gait, and altered mental status. It is an underdiagnosed yet severely limiting disease process precipitated by thiamine deficiency. Often times, it can occur in conjunction with other disease states like refeeding syndrome in which the underlying etiology is prolonged periods of malnutrition. We present a unique case of non-alcoholic WE in a middle-aged male who initially presented with gallstone pancreatitis complicated with severe metabolic derangements. This ultimately resulted in the development of non-alcoholic WE. Prevention of this condition is a clinical challenge for most physicians as the classic features associated with thiamine deficiency lack diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in critically ill patients. As a result, early recognition and prompt management of this can dramatically decrease morbidity and mortality. Our case highlights and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for WE and refeeding syndrome in the setting of altered sensorium and metabolic derangements.