Optic neuritis in crohn`s disease showing wernicke`s encephalopathy

Abstract

Crohn`s disease is a common disorder of the gastointestinal tract that primarily affects the terminal ileum. The most common neurologic problem encountered is seizure disorder. but, optic neuritis in Crohn`s disease is rare. We reported a case of optic neuritis in Crohn`s disease showing Wernicke`s encephalopathy. Case : A 20-year-old man was diagnosed as Crohn`s disease by biopsy of appendix after appendectomy at 15 years old. He admitted to our hospital due to enterocutaneous fistula accompanied to Crohn`s disease. During hospital days, he complained of dizziness, gait disturbance and diplopia. In neurologic examination, ataxia and bilateral ophthalmoplegia was found. To rule out Wernickes`s encephalopathy, thiamine injection was tried. And, neurologic symptom was improved. At the similar time, blurred vision on right eye was encountered. And, visual acuity on right eye was decreased and optic neuritis was suspected. His visual acuity got worse over 3 days. But, the visual acuity was improved after steroid pulse therapy.