OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Wernicke's encephalopathy with cortical abnormalities (WEc). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical features and MRI findings in 3 cases of WEc in comparison with those of 7 previously reported cases. RESULTS: Besides the classical triad of ocular abnormalities, ataxia and global confusion, muscular weakness of all extremities was frequently recognized (5 of 6 evaluable cases; 83%). During the clinical courses, 2 patients (20%) died and 1 fell into a vegetative state. The cortical abnormalities were distributed in the frontal and parietal lobes, especially around the bilateral central sulcus, in all cases. In 1 case, the cortical abnormality was irreversible, and the abnormal lesion, similar to that seen in laminar necrosis, persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral frontal cortical abnormalities around the central sulcus and muscular weakness of all extremities might be the characteristic features of WEc. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Wernicke's encephalopathy with cortical abnormalities (WEc). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical features and MRI findings in 3 cases of WEc in comparison with those of 7 previously reported cases. RESULTS: Besides the classical triad of ocular abnormalities, ataxia and global confusion, muscular weakness of all extremities was frequently recognized (5 of 6 evaluable cases; 83%). During the clinical courses, 2 patients (20%) died and 1 fell into a vegetative state. The cortical abnormalities were distributed in the frontal and parietal lobes, especially around the bilateral central sulcus, in all cases. In 1 case, the cortical abnormality was irreversible, and the abnormal lesion, similar to that seen in laminar necrosis, persisted. CONCLUSIONS:Bilateral frontal cortical abnormalities around the central sulcus and muscular weakness of all extremities might be the characteristic features of WEc. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.