A Case of Ascending Sensory Neuropathy Due to Acute Onset Thiamine Deficiency After Intragastric Balloon Placement

Endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) are emerging as nonsurgical weight loss interventions that are being used with increasing frequency. Similar to the potential for early and late complications from bariatric surgeries, metabolic derangements and nutritional deficiencies can also be seen after EBTs. In particular, thiamine deficiency is a well-known complication typically presenting with neurological symptoms, commonly Wernicke encephalopathy or dry beriberi. However, such a deficiency developing after placement of a temporary device such as an intragastric balloon is not only unique, but the clinical presentation of isolated ascending sensory neuropathy is very rare, both of which were seen in our patient.