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Abstract Details

Wernicke Encephalopathy Mimicking Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Neuro-ophthalmology/Neuro-otology
P1 - Poster Session 1 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)
4-022

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Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) rarely can present with optic disc edema and retinal hemorrhages mimicking idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).  Papillitis due to acute thiamine deficiency can lead to progressive visual loss and ultimately, optic atrophy.

We report a case of a 29-year-old overweight female with PMH of gastric sleeve surgery two months prior, presenting with a one-week history of worsening double vision and decreased visual acuity with transient visual obscurations. About three weeks after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery she developed nausea and vomiting, and was unable to keep food down. Exam was pertinent for confusion, bilateral CN VI palsies; vertical and horizontal nystagmus on primary gaze and with upward gaze. Funduscopic exam revealed bilateral grade IV papilledema with hemorrhages. She had no history of prior headaches. MRI brain and orbits showed prominence and tortuosity of the of the sheath complex with flattening of the posterior globe/pituitary gland. MRV was unremarkable. Initial working diagnosis was IIH based on the papilledema and the MRI findings. Patient underwent lumbar drain placement, and opening pressure was 21 cmH20, making the diagnosis of IIH less likely. Patient was treated with IV thiamine 500 mg TID and symptoms improved considerably. Given the clinical presentation with nystagmus, ophthalmoplegia, optic neuropathy with papillitis and improvement with IV thiamine even in the absence of typical MRI findings, patient was diagnosed with WE. Although neuroimaging studies can be helpful, WE is primarily a clinical diagnosis.

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The classic triad of ocular abnormalities, confusion, and ataxia characteristic of WE is reported in up to 66% of cases. Rarely, optic disc edema and retinal hemorrhages may also be seen. Papillitis due to thiamine deficiency may lead to progressive visual loss and ultimately, optic atrophy. Here we present a case of WE following gastric bypass surgery, presenting with papillitis and acute visual deterioration.

Authors/Disclosures
Janice Leon
PRESENTER
Dr. Leon has nothing to disclose.
Olimpia Carbunar, MD (University Of Miami) The institution of Dr. Carbunar has received research support from National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The institution of Dr. Carbunar has received research support from ARGENX/PPD.