Abstract:

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, which can cause various complications, such as dehydration, acidosis and other disorders of fluid and electrolyte metabolism, as well as complications caused by intractable vomiting, such as esophageal laceration and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, etc. Among them, the one with the higher risk of death is Wernicke encephalopathy, which can lead to serious consequences if the diagnosis and treatment are not timely. A case of pregnant woman with hyperemesis gravidarum and Wernicke encephalopathy was reported. The patient presented with typical clinical symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and nystagmus, but did not show typical imaging manifestations. Upon admission, a routine intramuscular injection of 100 mg vitamin B₁ was administered. After diagnosis, high-dose vitamin B₁ was given timely and termination of pregnancy. The symptoms improved and no residual complications. This case suggests that the imaging abnormalities of Wernicke encephalopathy combined with hyperemesis gravidarum have a lagging effect, and that vitamin B₁ supplementation should be given immediately for the appearance of relevant symptoms and suspected diagnosis.

Key words: Wernicke encephalopathy, Hyperemesis gravidarum, Thiamine, Magnetic resonance imaging, Case reports