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  • Title: Reversible MRI abnormalities in an unusual paediatric presentation of Wernicke's encephalopathy.
    Author: Sparacia G, Banco A, Lagalla R.
    Journal: Pediatr Radiol; 1999 Aug; 29(8):581-4. PubMed ID: 10415181.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: We report an unusual paediatric presentation of acute Wernicke's encephalopathy in a 12-year-old boy affected by chronic gastrointestinal disease. MRI demonstrated, in addition to the typical diencephalic and mesencephalic signal abnormalities on T2-weighted images, enhancement of the mammillary bodies and the floor of the hypothalamus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following parenteral administration of thiamine for 4 days, the patient recovered from his neurological deficits and on follow-up enhanced MRI 1 month later, no signal abnormalities were found nor was there diencephalic or mesencephalic atrophy, as is usual in the chronic phase of the disease. RESULTS: MRI provides crucial information in the diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy, either in the acute or chronic phases of the disease. CONCLUSION: Our report provides an additional clue for recognition of the acute phase of the disease; enhancement of the floor of the hypothalamus has not previously been described despite its recorded involvement at autopsy.
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