Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Associated with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. |
Chang Kyoon Yoon, Moo Hwan Chang, Dong Cho Lee |
Department of Ophthalmology, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. cataract@empal.co.kr |
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Abstract |
PURPOSE The authors hereby describe a case of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome with accompanying ocular findings that is caused by hyperernesis gravidarum. METHODS: We experienced a 27-year-old female at 12 weeks of pregnancy, who visited our clinic because of weight loss, gait disturbance, decreased mentality and dizziness after prolonged vomiting for 2 months. Neurological examination demonstrated ataxia of gait and loss of orientation. Ophthalmologic examination showed decreased visual acuity, upbeat nystagmus, diplopia and retinal hemorrhage. RESULTS: We report a relatively rare case of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome with ophthalmic symptoms induced by hyperemesis gravidarum. CONCLUSIONS: If a pregnant women has symptoms of severe vomiting along with other ocular findings such as retinal hemorrhage or restricted extraocular movement, one must suspect the diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and should start appropriate treatment immediately. |
Key Words:
Hyperemesis gravidarum;Pregnancy;Retinal hemorrhage;Thiamine deficiency;Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome |
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