TITLE:
Wernicke Encephalopathy Induced by Ileus after Gastrectomy in Gastric Cancer: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Chun Cao, Xing Li, Yunfeng Yao
KEYWORDS:
Wernicke Encephalopathy, Thiamine Deficiency, Gastric Cancer, Bowel Obstruction
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.15 No.8,
August
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a clinically significant condition where delayed treatment can lead to severe consequences. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman with recurrent gastric cancer one year after surgery, who developed a postoperative bowel obstruction. Following supportive care with clinical improvement of her primary condition, she rapidly developed dizziness, lethargy, and confusion. Brain MRI confirmed the diagnosis of WE. Prompt intravenous thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation resulted in rapid neurological symptom resolution. Follow-up MRI demonstrated remarkable regression of the positive brain lesions.