Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
26:48
Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
18.3K
Wernicke Encephalopathy Associated with Crohn's Disease
Marco Vidor1, Wirdasari Wirdasari1, Virly Nanda Muzellina1
1Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. vidor.marco@gmail.com.
Acta Medica Indonesiana
|July 11, 2025
Summary
Uncontrolled Crohn's disease can lead to thiamine deficiency, causing Wernicke encephalopathy. Prompt intravenous thiamine therapy can reverse symptoms, preventing irreversible neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Poorly controlled Crohn's disease is linked to vitamin malabsorption.
- Thiamine (vitamin B1) is vital for energy production and nerve function.
- Thiamine deficiency can cause beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of Wernicke encephalopathy secondary to uncontrolled Crohn's disease.
- To highlight the neurological complications of Crohn's disease.
- To emphasize the importance of thiamine repletion.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 18-year-old male with Crohn's disease.
- Clinical presentation included hematemesis, confusion, hallucinations, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia.
- Diagnosis confirmed by Brain MRI showing Wernicke encephalopathy.
- Treatment with intravenous thiamine.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with symptoms consistent with Wernicke encephalopathy.
- Brain MRI confirmed Wernicke encephalopathy.
- Intravenous thiamine administration led to clinical improvement and consciousness recovery.
- Symptoms resolved by discharge.
Conclusions:
- Uncontrolled Crohn's disease poses risks for severe complications like thiamine deficiency.
- Wernicke encephalopathy is a serious neurological complication that requires prompt recognition and treatment.
- Thiamine therapy can effectively manage and potentially reverse Wernicke encephalopathy, preventing progression to Korsakoff syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
395
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
395
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
334
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
334
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
275
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
275
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
208
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2...
208
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
104
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
104
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
541
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
541