Wernicke's encephalopathy in a child with abdominal tuberculosis

Abstract

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neurological disorder, potentially fatal if untreated, caused by thiamine deficiency. A 15-year-old female patient with choledocholithiasis, cholecystitis and abdominal tuberculosis on antitubercular therapy presented with poor oral intake, bilious vomiting and encephalopathy. A prompt diagnosis of WE was made and confirmed by brain magnetic resonance imaging. The patient recovered completely after the administration of thiamine.