Intravenous Thiamine Administration Research Articles

Thiamine deficiency as a differential diagnosis for severe fatigue in terminally ill cancer patients.

Patients with advanced cancer present various symptoms as their disease progresses. Among these, fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with advanced cancer and is associated with decreased quality of life (QOL). However, there are few reports regarding its association with thiamine deficiency (TD). We report a case in which we found TD in a patient with advanced lung cancer who presented with weight loss, significant fatigue, and appeared to have a worsening general condition, for whom symptoms were dramatically improved within a short period of time by intravenous administration of thiamine. The patient was a 76-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with lung cancer and liver metastases 6 months earlier. Due to interstitial pneumonia, she was not a candidate for chemotherapy and so palliative care was started. At 8 months after initial diagnosis, the patient complained of fatigue during a medical examination, so a blood sample was taken. A week later, she visited the hospital with a cane. She felt extremely fatigued and was unable to stand, but results from the previous blood test revealed that a TD. The fatigue disappeared 15 minutes after intravenous administration of thiamine and she was able to return home without the cane. Fatigue is a frequent symptom in advanced cancer patients, and TD may be the underlying cause. Inclusion of TD in the differential diagnosis may contribute to improving patient QOL.

Treatment variability and its relationships to outcomes among patients with Wernicke's encephalopathy: A multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundDespite guidelines and recommendations, Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) treatment lacks evidence, leading to clinical practice variability. AimsGiven the overall lack of information on thiamine use for WE treatment, we analyzed data from a large, well-characterized multicenter sample of patients with WE, examining thiamine dosages; factors associated with the use of different doses, frequencies, and routes; and the influence of differences in thiamine treatment on the outcome. MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted with data from 443 patients from 21 centers obtained from a nationwide registry of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (from 2000 to 2012). Discharge codes and Caine criteria were applied for WE diagnosis, and treatment-related (thiamine dosage, frequency, and route of administration) demographic, clinical, and outcome variables were analyzed. ResultsWe found marked variability in WE treatment and a low rate of high-dose intravenous thiamine administration. Seventy-eight patients out of 373 (20.9%) received > 300mg/day of thiamine as initial dose. Patients fulfilling the Caine criteria or presenting with the classic WE triad more frequently received parenteral treatment. Delayed diagnosis (after 24h hospitalization), the fulfillment of more than two Caine criteria at diagnosis, mental status alterations, and folic acid deficiency were associated significantly with the lack of complete recovery. Malnutrition, reduced consciousness, folic acid deficiency, and the lack of timely thiamine treatment were risk factors for mortality. ConclusionsOur results clearly show extreme variability in thiamine dosages and routes used in the management of WE. Measures should be implemented to ensure adherence to current guidelines and to correct potential nutritional deficits in patients with alcohol use disorders or other risk factors for WE.

THIAMINE AND HIGH DOSE INSULIN TREATMENT FOR SEPSIS

Sepsis is a major health problem and accounts for 20% of deaths worldwide. It is the most expensive condition treated in United States hospitals at $62 billion per year or about $46,000 per patient. Treatment consisting largely of fluid resuscitation and antibiotics has only a marginal impact. Mortality is about 27% for hospitalised patients and about 42% for patients in intensive care. There are two phases of sepsis – a hyperinflammatory phase and a subsequent hypoinflammatory phase. During the hyperinflammatory phase, the metabolic rate increases, and this is associated with an increase in body temperature and a rapid escalation of immune system functioning including increased numbers of leucocytes and their migration to infected and damaged tissues and increased supply and consumption of glucose to fuel this immune system. During the subsequent hypoinflammatory phase, the metabolic rate decreases, and this is associated with a decrease in body temperature and a generalised decrease in the physiological activity of many organs including the immune system akin to hibernation. The activated immune system has priority for the available glucose over most other organs and physiological functions during such potentially life-threatening circumstances. Thus, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production by mitochondria (the source of energy at the cellular level for the organism as a whole) also has a lower priority for the available glucose relative to the activated immune system. If glucose availability is threatened, then the mitochondrial production of ATP is partially or substantially suppressed in favour of glycolysis because glycolysis can rapidly produce large quantities of ATP that are necessary for immune cell function in infected, anaerobic, ischaemic, or damaged tissues. However, glycolysis is only a temporary fix as it cannot produce the quantities of ATP necessary on an ongoing basis for the normal functioning of the healthy animal. Mitochondrial production of ATP must be recommenced for full recovery. It appears that the partial or substantial suppression of mitochondrial production of ATP by activation of the immune response becomes relatively fixated in some patients, leading to a substantial ATP deficit. This is the fundamental issue of sepsis. This paper reviews the metabolism of glucose and insulin during sepsis and concludes that high dose insulin with mild hyperglycaemia in conjunction with the intravenous administration of thiamine, an inhibitor of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase enzymes, to re-establish physiological ATP production by mitochondria, administered early in the hypometabolic (hypoinflammatory) phase of sepsis, may enhance survival relative to thiamine alone.

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Complicating Hypermesis Gravidarum: a Rare Case Report

Introduction: Wernicke’s Encephalopathy (WE) is an uncommon neurological disorder due to thiamine deficiency. Its clinical findings are variable steering its high incidence postmortem. Seldom, thiamine deficiency is present in a clinical triad consisting of cognitive disorder, ocular abnormalities and gait ataxia. Most commonly, the clinical picture is not specific leading to late or misdiagnosis. In pregnant woman with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, incoercible vomiting and poor intake paves the path to thiamine deficiency by depleting B1 storage affecting cerebral energy homeostasis. Ergo, HG leads to neurological complications affecting maternal mortality and morbidity. Case Report: We hereby present the uncommon case of WE complicate HG in 18 weeks’ gestation primigravidae. Diagnosis relied on clinical findings as the clinical picture was typical: confusion, disorientation and memory impairment besides static and kinetic cerebellar syndrome and ophthalmological abnormalities such as unequal pupils and horizontal nystagmus. Biological findings were out of normal range as it showed electrolytes imbalance, dehydration and elevated liver and pancreatic enzymes. Imaging investigations were normal. Treatment was based on intravenous thiamine supplementation and vomiting management. Conclusion: We are a preventable neurological disorder. Prompt treatment and correct dosage in light of the appropriate guidelines enlighten the prognosis and may even lead to remission. Whereas late or non-diagnosis leads to dramatic complications such as Korsakoff’s syndrome. This article aims to raise clinician’s suspicion of WE and emphasizes the importance of preventive thiamine supplementation during pregnancies and prophylactic intravenous thiamine administration in pregnancy with Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Thiamine responsive high output heart failure of adults: an under-recognized entity.

Thiamine deficiency, commonly presenting as dry and wet beriberi, a lesser-known entity in the present era, is increasingly being reported from Kashmir, a north Indian state. The present study aims to present the clinical profile of patients presenting with high-output heart failure (HOHF). Subjects with a primary diagnosis of denovo heart failure and features suggestive of HOHF were recruited; those who responded to intravenous administration of thiamine alone (responders) were adults with no co-morbidities and those who required other medications particularly diuretics (non-responders) were elderly with co-morbidities and underlying heart disease. Responders showed considerably lower mean thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) levels and higher mean lactate and venous oxygen saturation than non-responders. More importantly, the mean drop in lactate and SVO2 following thiamine therapy was more in responders. In a setting of high risk for thiamine deficiency, features suggestive of HOHF along with elevated lactate and higher venous oxygen saturation, a response to thiamine challenge may serve as surrogate marker of thiamine deficiency.

Pengaruh Pemberian Tiamin Intravena terhadap Kadar Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF- α) pada Pasien COVID-19 di Ruang Isolasi

Introduction : Many cytokines and inflammatory mediators play a role in the progression of COVID-19 disease, including the interleukins, interferons, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α.) groups. An intervention is needed to reduce the levels of this cytokine. Thiamine has the potential to reduce levels of proinflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-α.
 Objective: To determine the effect of intravenous thiamine administration on TNF-α levels in COVID-19 patients in the isolation room of RSUP H Adam Malik.
 Methods: This study used an analytical design of one group pre test - post test in the isolation room of Haji Adam Malik General Hospital Medan with a sample size of 16 people. Samples were given thiamine IV 200 mg/12 hours and then the levels of TNF-α were measured by ELISA method.
 Results: Characteristics of the sample obtained were equal in number of males and females (1:1), the mean age was 43 ±14.78 years, the mean BMI was 23.31 ± 6.55, the mean systolic was 122.50 ± 5.77 mmHg and diastolic 88.88 ± 6.55 mmHg. The majority of the sample (50%) had no comorbidities. Before administration of thiamine, the median TNF-α was 186.5 pg/mL with a minimum and maximum value (171-420 pg/mL) and after administration of thiamine, the median TNF-α was 180.50 pg/mL with a minimum and maximum value (122-200 pg/mL) obtained a p value of 0.001 < 0.05 (there is a significant effect).
 Conclusion: In this study, the mean TNF-α level was lower when given intravenous thiamine. This decrease in TNF-α levels was also found to be significant after intravenous thiamine administration.

Randomised trial of intravenous thiamine and/or magnesium sulphate administration on erythrocyte transketolase activity, lactate concentrations and alcohol withdrawal scores

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) occurs in 2% of patients admitted to U.K. hospitals. Routine treatment includes thiamine and benzodiazepines. Laboratory studies indicate that thiamine requires magnesium for optimal activity, however this has not translated into clinical practice. Patients experiencing AWS were randomized to three groups: (group 1) thiamine, (group 2) thiamine plus MgSO4 or (group 3) MgSO4. Pre- and 2-h post-treatment blood samples were taken. AWS severity was recorded using the Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Score (GMAWS). The primary outcome measure was 15% change in erythrocyte transketolase activity (ETKA) in group 3. Secondary outcome measures were change in plasma lactate concentrations and time to GMAWS = 0. 127 patients were recruited, 115 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Pre-treatment, the majority of patients had normal or high erythrocyte thiamine diphosphate (TDP) concentrations (≥ 275–675/> 675 ng/gHb respectively) (99%), low serum magnesium concentrations (< 0.75 mmol/L) (59%), and high plasma lactate concentrations (> 2 mmol/L) (67%). Basal ETKA did not change significantly in groups 1, 2 or 3. Magnesium deficient patients (< 0.75 mmol/L) demonstrated less correlation between pre-treatment basal ETKA and TDP concentrations than normomagnesemic patients (R2 = 0.053 and R2 = 0.236). Median plasma lactate concentrations normalized (≤ 2.0 mmol/L) across all three groups (p < 0.001 for all groups), but not among magnesium deficient patients in group 1 (n = 22). The median time to achieve GMAWS = 0 for groups 1, 2 and 3 was 10, 5.5 and 6 h respectively (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between groups for the primary endpoint of change in ETKA. Co-administration of thiamine and magnesium resulted in more consistent normalization of plasma lactate concentrations and reduced duration to achieve initial resolution of AWS symptoms.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03466528.

LENCEPHALOPATHIE DE GAYET-WERNICKE CHEZ UNE PATIENTE SUIVIE POUR PANCREATITE: A PROPOS DUN CAS

Gayet-Wernicke encephalopathy is a serious complication of thiamine deficiency characterized by a clinical triad: confusional state, oculomotor disturbances, and cerebellar ataxia. Alcoholism is the main cause of thiamine deficiency. Severe pancreatitis through prolonged fasting and vomiting may exceptionally give a similar clinical picture which sometimes poses diagnostic difficultiesDiagnosis is based on brain imaging by showing on MRI a T2 or FLAIR hypersignal affecting the peri-aqueductal region, the medial part of the thalamus, the floor of the fourth ventricle, the vermis, the mammillary bodies and, sometimes, the cortex. Treatment consists of rapid intravenous administration of thiamine. We report a case of 66-year-old patient followed for severe pancreatitis whose evolution was marked by the onset of a consciousness disorder whose investigations returned in favor of Gayet-Wernicke encephalopathy.

Marchiafava- Bignami disease (MBD): A rare case report

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare neuro degenerative disease characterized by demyelination of corpus callosum. Clinical diagnosis of MBD is challenging due to its nonspecific neurological manifestations. It’s promptly diagnosed by brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Prompt treatment with high dose thiamine could be lifesaving. Here we report a 68 year old male with chronic alcoholism who was diagnosed to have MBD and successfully treated with high doses of intravenous thiamine administration.

Encephalopathy responsive to thiamine in severe COVID-19 patients

Encephalopathy is one of the most frequent neurological complications of severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Cytokine storm and sepsis, hypercatabolic states, the use of furosemide and dialytic therapy represent risk factors for thiamine deficiency and are also found in patients with severe COVID-19. In this retrospective case series, we report clinical and neurological findings of fifteen patients with COVID-19-associated Wernicke Encephalopathy (WE) and their response to treatment with intravenous thiamine. All patients had encephalopathy, with 67% displaying at least one additional sign of classic WE triad (ophthalmoparesis and ataxia). Two patients (13%) had the classic triad. All COVID-19 patients had significant improvement of the neurological manifestations between two to five days after intravenous thiamine administration. Eleven patients (73%) had good neurological outcome at hospital discharge and only two patients (13%) died. This case series suggests that thiamine deficiency may be an etiology of encephalopathy in severe COVID-19 patients and its treatment may represent a safety and low-cost response to reduce the neurological burden.

High proportion of thiamine deficiency in referred cancer patients with delirium: a retrospective descriptive study

Background/ObjectivesRecent studies have revealed thiamine deficiency (TD) as a cause of delirium in cancer patients. However, the extent to which Wernicke encephalopathy is present and in what patients is not well understood.Subjects/MethodsIn this retrospective descriptive study, we investigated referred cancer patients who were diagnosed with delirium by a psycho-oncologist to clarify the proportion of TD, the therapeutic effect of thiamine administration, and the factors involved in its onset.ResultsAmong 71 patients diagnosed with delirium by a psycho-oncologist, TD was found in 45% of the patients. Intravenous administration of thiamine led to a recovery in about 60% of these patients. We explored the factors associated with TD using a multivariable regression model with a Markov chain Monte Carlo imputation procedure. We found an association between TD and chemotherapy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.98 [95% confidence interval, 1.04–3.77]); however, there were no significant associations between TD and the other factors we considered.ConclusionsTD is not particularly rare in delirium patients undergoing psychiatric consultation. The delirium was resolved in more than half of these patients by intravenous administration of thiamine. Oncologists should consider TD as a cause of delirium in cancer patients. Further prospective study is needed to clarify the relationship between TD and delirium in cancer patients.

Effects of thiamine on vasopressor requirements in patients with septic shock: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThiamine, an essential vitamin for aerobic metabolism and glutathione cycling, may decrease the effects of critical illnesses. The objective of this study was to determine whether intravenous thiamine administration can reduce vasopressor requirements in patients with septic shock.MethodsThis study was a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. We included adult patients with septic shock who required a vasopressor within 1–24 h after admission between March 2018 and January 2019 at a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received 200 mg thiamine or those receiving a placebo every 12 h for 7 days or until hospital discharge. The primary outcome was the number of vasopressor-free days over 7 days. The pre-defined sample size was 31 patients per group, and the study was terminated early due to difficult recruitment.ResultsSixty-two patients were screened and 50 patients were finally enrolled in the study, 25 in each group. There was no difference in the primary outcome of vasopressor-free days within the 7-day period between the thiamine and placebo groups (mean: 4.9 days (1.9) vs. 4.0 days (2.7), p = 0.197, mean difference − 0.9, 95% CI (− 2.9 to 0.5)). However, the reductions in lactate (p = 0.024) and in the vasopressor dependency index (p = 0.02) at 24 h were greater among subjects who received thiamine repletion vs. the placebo. No statistically significant difference was observed in SOFA scores within 7 days, vasopressor dependency index within 4 days and 7 days, or 28-day mortality.ConclusionsThiamine was not associated to a significant reduction in vasopressor-free days over 7-days in comparison to placebo in patients with septic shock. Administration of thiamine could be associated with a reduction in vasopressor dependency index and lactate level within 24 h. The study is limited by early stopping and low sample size.Trial registrationTCTR, TCTR20180310001. Registered 8 March 2018, http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=3330.

Development of Wernicke\u2019s encephalopathy long after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy: a case report

BackgroundWernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neuropsychiatric disorder resulting from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, frequently associated with chronic alcoholism and total parenteral nutrition without thiamine. However, only a few reports have focused on the relationship between WE and subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (SSPPD).Case presentationA 71-year-old woman underwent SSPPD for an adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Although there had been no evidence of recurrence, the patient was treated with antibiotics for cholangitis at 12 and 31 months, respectively, post-surgery. Thereafter, the patient presented with vomiting and disorientation 33 months after surgery. Although she was admitted and underwent closer inspection by a neurologist and a psychiatrist, the exact cause of these syndromes remained unknown. The psychiatrist measured thiamine concentration to examine the cause of disorientation. After 6 days, her level of consciousness worsened. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed symmetrically multiple abnormal hyperintense signals on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery and diffusion weighted image, compatible with WE. An administration of intravenous thiamine was immediately initiated. After 8 days of the measurement of the thiamine level, the patient’s serum thiamine level was found to be 6 µg/mL (reference range, 24–66 µg/mL). Accordingly, the patient was diagnosed with WE. Shortly after starting the treatment, blood thiamine value reached above normal range with significant improvement of her confusional state. However, short-term memory and ataxia remained.ConclusionsDevelopment of WE after SSPPD is uncommon. However, to prevent an after-effect, the possibility of development of WE after SSPPD should be recognized.

Effect of Vitamin C, Hydrocortisone, and Thiamine vs Hydrocortisone Alone on Time Alive and Free of Vasopressor Support Among Patients With Septic Shock

Sepsis is associated with up to half of all in-hospital deaths. The administration of intravenous (IV) hydrocortisone, thiamine, and vitamin C has been suggested to improve mortality rates in patients with septic shock compared to those who received hydrocortisone alone, but the number of patients studied and the methods of previous studies have been scrutinized. The authors of this multi-center, randomized control trial aimed to determine if there is a significant difference in mortality and vasopressor requirements in patients with septic shock between hydrocortisone monotherapy and hydrocortisone therapy plus the addition of intravenous vitamin C and thiamine.

Safety of intravenous push thiamine administration at a tertiary academic medical center

ObjectivesIntravenous (IV) thiamine, administered using both diluted solution for infusion and undiluted solution for IV push, is used to correct low levels of thiamine. Although thiamine has a good safety profile, its IV administration is associated with rare cases of anaphylaxis. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the incidence of anaphylaxis and IV site reactions associated with IV push thiamine. DesignA single-center, retrospective chart review was performed using electronic health records. Setting and participantsAll adult patients who received undiluted IV push thiamine between June 1, 2015, and July 31, 2017, were included. Patient demographics, IV access site, allergy history, and antihistaminic medication use before thiamine administration were collected. Outcome measuresAnaphylaxis was assessed while infiltration and phlebitis were evaluated using a standardized institutional grading system. All documented adverse events were adjudicated with the Naranjo Nomogram for adverse drug reaction assessment. ResultsA total of 8606 administrations in 2595 patients were evaluated; 5560 doses were administered peripherally, 1643 doses were administered centrally, and the line of administration was not documented for the remaining doses. Administrations included 7605 doses of 100 mg, 433 of 200 mg, 549 of 250 mg, and 19 of 500 mg. No anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions were observed. A total of 26 injection site reactions (0.30%) were noted in 19 patients (phlebitis, 12 events and infiltration, 14 events). Assessment with the Naranjo Nomogram classified 18 reactions to have a possible likelihood and 8 reactions to have a probable likelihood of being caused by IV push thiamine administration. ConclusionAdministration of IV push thiamine was not associated with any anaphylactic event and had a low incidence of IV site reactions. IV push thiamine in doses up to 250 mg appeared to be safe. There may be an indication for its safe administration with doses up to 500 mg, although more research is needed.

Evaluation of the Safety of Intravenous Thiamine Administration in a Large Academic Medical Center

Background/Objective: Previous literature describes increased incidence of infusion-related reactions when administering thiamine doses greater than 100 mg as an intravenous (IV) push. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the safety of administering higher doses of thiamine as IV push compared to infusion. Methods: A single-center, retrospective review was performed from June to October 2017. Included patients were aged 18 years or older and received 1 dose of IV thiamine 200 mg or greater. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 included patients who received 200-mg IV push and, group 2 included patients who received any dose greater than 200 mg. The primary objective was to quantify and compare rate of adverse reactions between the 2 groups. Institutional thiamine prescribing practices were examined. Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Fischer exact tests were performed. Results: Sixty-six percent of patients were male, and the median age was 55 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 44-63). Fifty percent received 200-mg IV push, 20% received a combination of IV infusion and IV push, and 30% received IV infusion. Adverse reactions possibly due to thiamine administration occurred in 4 (2.0%) patients. One patient received 200 mg via IV infusion, while 3 received 200 mg via IV push. There was no significant difference in adverse reaction rate between IV push and IV infusion administrations (P = .640). Conclusion: Our results support administering thiamine doses of 200 mg or less as an IV push. Given lack of robust safety data, it is recommended to continue to dilute doses greater than 200 mg and infuse over 30 minutes.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Associated With High-Dose Intravenous Thiamine Administration in Patients With Encephalopathy

Wernicke encephalopathy is a common neuropsychiatric syndrome due to thiamine deficiency. There is no consensus regarding thiamine dosing when Wernicke encephalopathy is suspected.A longstanding dosing strategy for Wernicke encephalopathy is 100mg daily, yet updated clinical guidelines suggest using high-dose intravenous (HDIV) thiamine. To describe thiamine prescribing practices at a large, public academic hospital and investigate clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with HDIV thiamine in patients with encephalopathy who received IV thiamine. Electronic medical records of hospitalized patients who received thiamine between 4/4/2014 and 11/1/2015 were reviewed. Chi-square tests, Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests, and logistic regression were used to compare clinical variables in patients with encephalopathy who received HDIV thiamine (≥ 200mg twice daily) vs lower doses of IV thiamine. Among the total of 5236 thiamine orders, 29% (n = 1531) were IV; 10% (n = 150) of IV orders met HDIV criteria. In patients with encephalopathy who received IV thiamine (n = 432), HDIV thiamine was administered to 20% (n = 86) and only 2.1% (n = 9) received dosing consistent with Royal College of Physicians guidelines. In bivariable analyses, HDIV thiamine was associated with surgical services (p = 0.001), psychiatric consultation (p < 0.001), and decreased mortality (p = 0.004). In multivariable models, the association between HDIV thiamine and decreased in-hospital mortality did not meet statistical significance (p = 0.061). In a large, public academic hospital, guideline-concordant thiamine supplementation is rare and HDIV thiamine is infrequently prescribed to patients with encephalopathy. Further studies are needed to confirm the possible benefits of HDIV thiamine for patients with suspected thiamine-deficient encephalopathy.

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy in a Patient Without Chronic Alcohol Abuse

Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is traditionally seen in the emergency department in patients with chronic alcohol abuse. WE can result in significant morbidity and mortality if untreated, making early diagnosis and intervention paramount. We discuss a case of WE in a 63-year-old female with no history of chronic alcohol abuse, who presented with bilateral opthalmoplegia that resolved after intravenous thiamine administration. This case report highlights the varied clinical settings other than chronic alcohol abuse in which the diagnosis of WE should be considered.

Magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of brain involvement in alcoholic and nonalcoholic Wernicke's encephalopathy.

AIMTo present the typical and atypical magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of alcoholic and non-alcoholic Wernicke’s encephalopathy.METHODSThis study included 7 patients with Wernicke’s encephalopathy (2 men, 5 women; mean age, 52.3 years) that underwent brain MR examination between January 2012 and March 2016 in a single institution. Three patients were alcoholics and 4 patients were non-alcoholics. MR protocol included a T2-weighted sequence, a fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence, a diffusion-weighted sequence (b = 0 and 1000 s/mm2), and a contrast-enhanced MR sequence. All MR images were retrospectively reviewed at baseline and follow-up by two radiologists.RESULTSAll patients with Wernicke’s encephalopathy had bilateral areas showing high signal intensity on both T2-weighted and FLAIR MR images in the typical sites (i.e., the periaqueductal region and the tectal plate). Signal intensity abnormalities in the atypical sites (i.e., the cerebellum and the cerebellar vermis) were seen in 4 patients, all of which had no history of alcohol abuse. Six patients had areas with restricted diffusion in the typical and atypical sites. Four patients had areas showing contrast-enhancement in the typical and atypical sites. Follow-up MR imaging within 6 mo after therapy (intravenous administration of thiamine) was performed in 4 patients, and demonstrated a complete resolution of all the signal intensities abnormalities previously seen in all patients.CONCLUSIONMR imaging is valuable in the diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy particularly in patients presenting with atypical clinical symptoms, or with no history of alcohol abuse.

Wernicke's encephalopathy after total parenteral nutrition in patients with Crohn's disease.

Micronutrient deficiencies in Crohn's disease (CD) patients are not uncommon and usually result in a combination of reduced dietary intake, disease-related malabsorption, and a catabolic state. Decreased serum thiamine levels are often reported in patients with CD. Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a severe form of thiamine deficiency that can cause serious neurologic complications. Although WE is known to occur frequently in alcoholics, a number of non-alcoholic causes have also been reported. Here, we report two cases of non-alcoholic WE that developed in two severely malnourished CD patients who were supported by prolonged total parenteral nutrition without thiamine supplementation. These patients complained of sudden-onset ophthalmopathy, cerebellar dysfunction, and confusion. Magnetic resonance imaging allowed definitive diagnosis for WE despite poor sensitivity. The intravenous administration of thiamine alleviated the symptoms of WE dramatically. We emphasize the importance of thiamine supplementation for malnourished patients even if they are not alcoholics, especially in those with CD.