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01-09-2020 | Wernicke's Encephalopathy | Invited Review

Comprehensive review of Wernicke encephalopathy: pathophysiology, clinical symptoms and imaging findings

Authors: Yoshiaki Ota, Aristides A. Capizzano, Toshio Moritani, Shotaro Naganawa, Ryo Kurokawa, Ashok Srinivasan

Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology | Issue 9/2020

Abstract

Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is a severe and life-threatening illness resulting from vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. The prevalence of WE has been estimated from 0.4 to 2.8%. If not treated properly, severe neurologic disorders such as Korsakoff psychosis and even death may occur. The classical triad of clinical symptoms (abnormal mental state, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia) is found in only 16–33% of patients on initial examination. The originally described underlying condition of WE is alcoholism, but it accounts for about 50% of causes of WE. Nonalcoholic patients are also affected by WE and likely to present symptoms and radiological imaging findings different from patients with alcoholism, which further complicates the diagnosis of WE. Being familiar with predisposing causes, symptoms and radiological imaging findings of WE is important for radiologists and clinicians when making the diagnosis to start immediate treatment. This review discusses pathophysiologies, underlying causes, clinical symptoms, imaging findings and their mimics.

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Title: Comprehensive review of Wernicke encephalopathy: pathophysiology, clinical symptoms and imaging findings
Authors: Yoshiaki Ota
Aristides A. Capizzano
Toshio Moritani
Shotaro Naganawa
Ryo Kurokawa
Ashok Srinivasan
Publication date: 01-09-2020
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Keywords: Wernicke's Encephalopathy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Edema
Encephalopathy
Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology / Issue 9/2020
Print ISSN: 1867-1071
Electronic ISSN: 1867-108X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-020-00989-3

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Comprehensive review of Wernicke encephalopathy: pathophysiology, clinical symptoms and imaging findings

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