Wernicke's Encephalopathy

Hypothermia and infection in Wernicke's encephalopathy

Two cases of acute Wernicke's encephalopathy with severe hypothermia as the major presenting feature are reported. Treatment with thiamine was rapidly introduced, but hypothermia nevertheless persisted for several weeks, at times masked by intercurrent infections.

Xanthopsia treated with thiamine

A patient with a history of extensive alcohol abuse developed xanthopsia, ataxia, and mental changes. Thiamine was given in the dosage of 200 mg daily, and the xanthopsia disappeared rapidly followed by normalization of the other symptoms. Xanthopsia might be due to a thiamine deficiency.

Coma as presenting manifestation of Wernicke's encephalopathy

A patient in whom coma was the presenting manifestation of Wernicke's encephalopathy is reported. Clinical reports on coma in Wernicke's encephalopathy are scarce, but postmortem studies have demonstrated that this form of presentation is often not recognized. The diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy should be suspected in any patient presenting with coma of unclear etiology.