FDG PET/MRI Findings Pointing Toward a Gayet-Wernicke Encephalopathy.

ABSTRACT

We report a case of Gayet-Wernicke encephalopathy, revealed by an F-FDG PET/MRI performed in a patient with memory impairment. Metabolism showed no pattern of neurodegenerative disease, but a severe decrease in hippocampus and mammillary bodies (MBs). MRI images analyzed in light of PET findings revealed MB atrophy coupled with signal-intensity alterations, suggestive of a Gayet-Wernicke encephalopathy. Patient was known for alcohol use disorders, and all previous MRI scans were considered as inconclusive. Symptoms improved with correction of thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. This report highlights ability of hybrid PET/MRI to investigate small neuronal structures, such as the MBs involved in Gayet-Wernicke disease.