Wernicke’s encephalopathy: MRI features
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Wernicke’s encephalopathy: MRI features. Medial thalami, Periventricular region, Periaqueductal area. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Typical location of lesions
- Medial thalami
- Periventricular region
- Periaqueductal area
- Mammillary bodies
- Tectal plate
Unusual location of lesions in non-alcoholics
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Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) changes: locations
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Other MRI features
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References
- Galvin R, Brathen G, Ivashynka A, Hillbom M, Tanasescu R, Leone MA. EFNS guidelines for diagnosis, therapy and prevention of Wernicke encephalopathy. Eur J Neurol 2010; 17:1408-1418.
- Zuccoli G, Santa Cruz D, Bertolini M, Rovira A, Gallucci M, Carollo C, Pipitone N. MR imaging findings in 56 patients with Wernicke encephalopathy: nonalcoholics may differ from alcoholics. Am J Neuroradiol 2009; 30:171-176.
- Doherty MJ, Watson NF, Uchino K, Hallam DK, Cramer SC. Diffusion abnormalities in patients with Wernicke encephalopathy. Neurology 2002; 58:655-657.
- Pereira DB, Pereira ML, Gasparetto EL. Nonalcoholic Wernicke encephalopathy with extensive cortical involvement: cortical laminar necrosis and hemorrhage demonstrated with susceptibility-weighted MR phase images. Am J Neuroradiol 2011; 32:E37-E38.
- Eren OE, Schöberl F, Campana M, Habs M, Conrad J. A unique MRI-pattern in alcohol-associated Wernicke encephalopathy. Acta Neurol Belg 2020; 120:1439-1441.
