Case Report
From Confusional Syndrome to Korsakoff's Encephalopathy: Understanding, Detecting, Treating in a Case
Adolphe Mulumba Mbuyi*
,
Halladain Mpung Mansoj,
Marcellin Bugeme Baguma,
El Hadji Makthar Ba
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
59-62
Received:
29 July 2025
Accepted:
13 August 2025
Published:
9 October 2025
Abstract: Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy (WKE) is a severe neuropsychiatric complication resulting from thiamine deficiency, most often secondary to chronic alcoholism. It comprises two overlapping conditions: Wernicke’s encephalopathy, characterized by acute neurological dysfunction, and Korsakoff’s syndrome, marked by persistent cognitive deficits, particularly memory impairment. This case report describes a 34-year-old male, chronic alcohol consumer, admitted with acute mental confusion, spatiotemporal disorientation, incoherent speech, and episodes of wandering. Neurological examination revealed no focal motor or sensory deficits but showed severe anterograde amnesia, confabulations, and emotional blunting. Brain MRI demonstrated cortico-subcortical atrophy, and laboratory analysis confirmed thiamine deficiency. The patient received high-dose intravenous vitamin B1 for seven days, broad vitamin supplementation, neuropsychological monitoring, and psychosocial interventions targeting alcohol withdrawal. Within 10 days, orientation and coherence of speech partially improved; however, significant memory deficits persisted at discharge. Neuropsychological evaluation revealed marked impairment in executive function and fixation memory, consistent with Korsakoff’s syndrome. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition of delirium as a warning sign of thiamine deficiency in at-risk individuals, even in the absence of the complete Wernicke triad. Timely administration of parenteral thiamine is critical to preventing irreversible neurological damage. Furthermore, the case underlines the role of structured neuropsychological assessment in documenting the extent of cognitive impairment, guiding rehabilitation, and monitoring recovery. A multidisciplinary approach involving neurology, psychiatry, nutrition, and social services is essential to optimize functional prognosis, reduce morbidity, and prevent recurrence. This report also supports systematic screening for WKE in chronic alcoholics and other at-risk populations, as well as continued education for healthcare providers to improve early detection and management strategies.
Abstract: Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy (WKE) is a severe neuropsychiatric complication resulting from thiamine deficiency, most often secondary to chronic alcoholism. It comprises two overlapping conditions: Wernicke’s encephalopathy, characterized by acute neurological dysfunction, and Korsakoff’s syndrome, marked by persistent cognitive deficits, part...
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Case Report
Purpura Fulminans in an Immunocompromised Patient with Invasive Pneumococcal Disease: A Case Report
Paulo Fernandes*,
Ana Carina Baldino,
Sara Carvalho,
João Maia Oliveira,
José Vaz
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
63-67
Received:
1 October 2025
Accepted:
14 October 2025
Published:
30 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.12
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Views:
Abstract: Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease, particularly in patients with impaired immune function or asplenia. Pneumococcal infections remain associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially when complicated by septic shock and multiple organ failure. Purpura fulminans is a rare but catastrophic dermatologic and hematologic manifestation characterized by rapidly evolving purpuric skin lesions with central necrosis, reflecting underlying systemic coagulopathy. Case presentation: We report the case of a 41-year-old man with antisynthetase syndrome and a history of splenic infarction, who was receiving immunosuppressive therapy. He presented with septic shock, respiratory failure with lung infiltrates, and diffuse violaceous skin lesions. Laboratory findings revealed severe disseminated intravascular coagulation, and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Despite the immediate initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics and intensive care admission for supportive care, his condition deteriorated rapidly, developing refractory multiorgan failure, and death occurred within 12 hours of hospital admission. Conclusions: This case highlights the fulminant and often fatal course of pneumococcal sepsis in high-risk patients. The immunosuppressive therapy and functional asplenia likely contributed to impaired bacterial clearance and overwhelming infection. While empiric antibiotic coverage was appropriate, the rapid clinical decline demonstrates the lethal synergy between severe bacterial sepsis and purpura fulminans associated consumptive coagulopathy. Preventive strategies, particularly pneumococcal vaccination, remain central to reducing the burden of invasive pneumococcal disease in immunocompromised and asplenic individuals.
Abstract: Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease, particularly in patients with impaired immune function or asplenia. Pneumococcal infections remain associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially when complicated by septic shock and multiple organ failure. Purpura fu...
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