Wernicke\'s Encephalopathy

Wernicke\'s encephalopathy is a neurologic disorder with acute onset, characterized by the triad of ocular abnormalities, ataxia, and a confused state. It is caused by a thiamine deficiency due to poor oral intake in chronic alcoholics, food refusal, or recurrent vomiting in a pregnant patient.

The usual locations of involvement on MR images in patients with Wernicke\'s encephalopathy are the medial thalami, tectum of the midbrain, and the periaqueductal region showing hyperintensity on T2W images. In addition, the acute stage may show mamillary body enhancement , while the chronic stage may show atrophy of the mamillary bodies and midbrain tegmentum, as well as dilatation of the third ventricle.