Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry (생물정신의학)

The Korean Society of Biological Psychiatry (대한생물정신의학회)
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Wernicke Encephalopathy in a Homeless Patient With Delusions: A Case Report

거리 노숙인 환자에게서 망상 증상과 함께 발견된 베르니케 뇌증 1례

  • Kayoung Kim (Department of Social Psychiatry and Rehabilitation, National Center for Mental Health)
  • 김가영 (국립정신건강센터 정신사회재활과)
  • Received : 2023.06.26
  • Accepted : 2023.08.01
  • Published : 2023.10.31
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Abstract

Wernicke's encephalopathy is a life-threatening central nervous system disease caused by thiamine deficiency. Emergent diagnosis is crucial but is frequently underdiagnosed. If Wernicke's encephalopathy is concomitant with underlying psychiatric disorders, the progression of symptoms becomes less discernible. This can present challenges for clinicians in establishing definitive diagnoses. Frequent problematic drinking and chronic thiamine deficiency have been reported in the homeless population. Clinicians should consider the possibility of developing Wernicke's encephalopathy in this population. This case report describes a 43-years-old homeless patient with Wernicke's encephalopathy presented with psychiatric symptoms.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 국립정신건강센터의 지원을 받았다. 사례를 담당하여 진료해주신 김다운 전공의와 MRI 판독소견에 도움을 주신 영상의학과 강경숙 선생님께 특별한 감사를 드립니다.

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