Computed tomographic findings in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Differential diagnosis of coma is crucial in clinical practice.
• Excluding traumatic, metabolic, and infectious causes is essential for accurate diagnosis.
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome presents with specific neurological deficits.

Observation:

• An unconscious patient presented with symptoms suggestive of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
• Clinical examination findings were compatible with this neurological disorder.
• Initial investigations did not reveal a clear cause for the patient's coma.

Findings:

• Supportive treatment and thiamine hydrochloride administration led to clinical improvement.
• Computed tomography revealed large, symmetric, low-density thalamic lesions.
• Thalamic lesions showed improvement in condition after three months of treatment.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in unexplained coma.
• Prompt thiamine administration is critical for managing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
• Neuroimaging findings correlate with clinical presentation and treatment response in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.