Iatrogenic Wernicke's encephalopathy in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: a study of eight cases.

Abstract

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a neuropsychiatric condition generally caused by acute thiamine deficiency and classically involves the triad of altered mentation, ataxia and ophthalmoplegia. It is most common among alcoholics, but several other causes have been identified, including total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use. We present eight cases of WE in patients undergoing allogeneic BMT, where thiamine deficiency was caused by a lack of vitamin supplementation during TPN administration. Clinically, WE presented as a severe refractory metabolic acidosis, preceded by 'raspberry tongue', and ophthalmologic and neurologic dysfunction. The sites most affected were the periventricular structures and the thalamus, and no mammilary bodies lesions were found.

• Authors: L F Bleggi-Torres, B C de Medeiros, V S Ogasawara, G Loddo, J Zanis Neto, R Pasquini, C R de Medeiros
• Journal: Bone marrow transplantation (Bone Marrow Transplant) Vol. 20 Issue 5 Pg. 391-5 (Sep 1997) ISSN: 0268-3369 [Print] England
• PMID: 9339755 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Acidosis (etiology, pathology)
• Arteries
• Bone Marrow Transplantation (adverse effects)
• Brain (pathology)
• Coma (etiology, pathology)
• Endothelium (blood supply, pathology)
• Hemorrhage (etiology, pathology)
• Humans
• Iatrogenic Disease (epidemiology)
• Medulla Oblongata (blood supply, pathology)
• Transplantation, Homologous
• Wernicke Encephalopathy (etiology, pathology)