Wernicke Encephalopathy Presenting with Severe Pancytopenia: A Rare Clinical Association
Jafrin Sadiq Abdul Razack *
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Noel George Cherian
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Syeda Juveria Hussaini
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Sarah Elkhawaga
Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Ajimal Sainu
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Ahmad El-Ouweini
Clinical Pharmacist, and Preceptor, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a severe neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, commonly associated with chronic alcoholism. Early recognition and treatment are critical to prevent irreversible neurological damage. We present a case of a 38-year-old male with chronic alcoholism and fatty liver disease who presented with confusion, ataxia, and hematological abnormalities. Initial investigations revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated inflammatory markers. MRI findings were consistent with Wernicke's encephalopathy. The patient received intravenous thiamine, antibiotics, and supportive care. Despite complications including severe pancytopenia and pneumonia, he showed clinical improvement with multidisciplinary management. This case underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis, aggressive thiamine supplementation and vigilant monitoring in the management of WE, particularly in atypical presentations.
Keywords: Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE), neurological disorder, thiamine deficiency, thrombocytopenia, hematological abnormalities
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