Table 1

Clinical features

PatientAgeSexProgressionInitial symptomMotor symptomsSensory symptomsAutonomic symptomsCranial nerve involvementAssociated symptomsThiamine concentration (ng/ml)
Muscle strengthMuscle atrophyTouch/painVibration/ joint senseWKSCardiomegalyOedema of the legsMyalgia
146M1 monthM3++3+3+++++15
242M2 monthsS2+2+2+5
369M4 yM2++2+3++14
450F1 monthM3+2+3++++15
547M1 yS2++1+1+15
654F1 monthM3++3+3+++12
752F3 weeksM3++2+2+++++8
868M2 monthsS3++3+3++++8
965M8 yM2++3+3++++10
1066F1 monthM3+2+2+15
1161M3 weeksM3+3+3+15
1266F1 monthS2+1++++6
1368M3 daysM3++1+2++5
1448M1 monthM3++3+3+++12
1567M1 monthS3++2+1+++17
1648M3 monthsS3+1+3++++++10
1758M6 monthsM2++2+2+++9
  • WKS=Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome; M=muscle weakness; S=sensory disturbance; −=absent; +=present; 1+=mild; 2+=moderate; 3+=severe.

  • Normal thiamine concentration (mean ±2 SD for normal control) is 20–50 ng/ml.