Long-term cognitive sequelae in a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Neurocase. 2016;22(2):187-90. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2015.1109666. Epub 2015 Nov 7.

Abstract

We describe the case of a non-alcoholic patient with chronic myeloid leukemia who developed iatrogenic Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) following stem cell transplantation. Four years after the WE acute event, the patient's cognitive profile was mainly characterized by moderate memory impairment, and functional and daily-living difficulties. Our report sustains the hypothesis that a iatrogenic form of WE may produce long-term cognitive sequelae even when thiamine therapy is administered in the acute phase until the resolution of the neurological signs.

Keywords: Wernicke’s encephalopathy; cognitive profile; stem cell transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / etiology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy / complications*
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy / surgery*