Fundus Findings in Wernicke Encephalopathy

• Main Authors: Tal Serlin, Elad Moisseiev
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Karger Publishers 2017-07-01
• Series: Case Reports in Ophthalmology
• Subjects: Sleeve gastrectomy; Optic disc edema; Retinal hemorrhage; Fundus; Wernicke encephalopathy; Bariatric surgery
• Online Access: http://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/478924

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, classically characterized by the triad of ophthalmoplegia, confusion, and ataxia. While commonly associated with chronic alcoholism, WE may also occur in the setting of poor nutrition or absorption. We present a 37-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and presented with visual disturbance with bilateral horizontal nystagmus, confusion, and postural imbalance. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema with a retinal hemorrhage in the left eye. Metabolic workup demonstrated thiamine deficiency. Her symptoms resolved after thiamine treatment. This case raises the awareness of the possibility of posterior segment findings in WE, which are underreported in WE.