Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2014) 34 P402 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.34.P402

SFEBES2014 Poster Presentations Thyroid (51 abstracts)

Severe transient hyperthyroidism and Wernicke's encephalopathy in a lady with hyperemesis gravidarum

Mehjabeen Beebeejaun , Susanna Meade , Emma Bingham , Frances Coyle & Jennifer Tringham


Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey, UK.


Transient mild hyperthyroidism is fairly common in women with hyperemesis gravidarum, occurring in up to two-thirds of them. It is also a well known fact that pregnant women with severe hyperemesis gravidarum can progress to develop Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Hyperthyroidism, without any other risk factors, has been described to accelerate the process of thiamine depletion as well. This is much less recognised.

We describe the case of a 32-year-old Pakistani lady who presented with severe transient hyperthyroidism associated with hyperemesis resulting in rapidly developing neurological sequelae with typical radiological appearances of Wernicke’s encephalopathy. She recovered promptly with electrolyte and thiamine replacement as well as institution of treatment with propylthiouracil.

Our case therefore reflects two metabolic stresses, hyperthyroidism and hyperemesis, precipitating Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

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