Introduction: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a cause of encephalopathy, is frequently overlooked in the hospitalized patient.
Case report: a 52-year-old woman, who was hospitalized for a prolonged fever and liver-spleen problems, experienced progressive acute encephalopathy, which led to the exclusion of various possible diagnoses. A brain magnetic resonance imaging scan was conducted, revealing certain features of Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy. Consequently, the patient was administered intravenous thiamine as empirical treatment, resulting in significant improvement.
Discussion: This case highlights the significance of considering Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome as a potential cause of encephalopathy in hospitalized patients. It also emphasizes the atypical nature of its presentation, variable radiological findings, and the criticality of initiating early treatment.
