Síncopes de Repetición como presentación de Encefalopatía de Wernicke-Korsakov

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) has neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms and typically presents with ophthalmoparesis, nystagmus, ataxia and mental disturbances. It results from a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) and often occurs in chronic alcoholics, people with malnutrition, on dialysis or with oth...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Pérez Romero, Javier Lucas, Hernández Fernández, Francisco, Perona Moratalla, Ana Belén, Ayo Martín, Óscar, Ortega Rubio, María Elena
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2010
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Repositorio:RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM
OAI Identifier:oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/46913
Acceso en línea:https://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1699-695X2010000200017
https://hdl.handle.net/10578/46913
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Encefalopatía de Wernicke
Thiamine
Tiamina
Wernicke Encephalopathy
Descripción
Sumario:Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) has neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms and typically presents with ophthalmoparesis, nystagmus, ataxia and mental disturbances. It results from a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) and often occurs in chronic alcoholics, people with malnutrition, on dialysis or with other systemic disorders. It may also develop with atypical symptoms, which can considerably delay diagnosis.We present a case of a 61 year old man, non-drinker with no history of vomiting, who came to the primary care centre on several occasions due to several episodes of temporary loss of consciousness accompanied by general malaise and diffuse paraesthesia. Typical symptoms began to appear as the syndrome developed, such as memory loss producing Korsakoff’s amnesia. The lack of a typical history contributed to a delayed diagnosis. After confirming the diagnosis, a complete aetiological study was conducted that did not reveal any underlying factor. Parenteral thiamine produced partial recovery.Although diagnosis is mainly by clinical impression, diagnostic tests should be conducted such as analysis of vitamin B1 in serum and especially Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which reveals characteristic signs. An aetiological study should also be conducted. Early diagnosis is essential in order to prevent neurological sequela.