Intrauterine Fetal Demise: A Rare Complication of Wernicke's Encephalopathy Secondary to Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

ABSTRACT

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neurological disorder caused by severe thiamine deficiency that manifests with a common range of clinical features including a triad of global confusion state, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia. Though frequently associated with the alcohol-dependent population, WE has been seen in other patients where it often goes undiagnosed presumably due to rarity and variable clinical indications. In this case report, we highlight the importance of WE being considered as a differential diagnosis of acute encephalopathy particularly in women who have experienced fetal demise in conjunction with signs of malnourishment from hyperemesis gravidarum.