Abstract

This uncommon syndrome of pancreatic encephalopathy was first described in 1923. A manifestation of multiple organ dysfunction syndromes, generally occurs in the early stage of severe acute pancreatitis and carries high mortality of up to 57% and more. The syndrome must be distinguished from Wernicke encephalopathy, which may follow as a part of neurological complications in the last or recovery phase of acute pancreatitis, and occurs as a result of long fasting, hyperemesis and total parenteral nutrition without thiamine. Poorly recognized by clinicians, a large dose of vitamin B1 is effective in the management of Wernicke encephalopathy. In view of above the present review draws attention to the challenging and lesser recognized complications of acute pancreatitis and briefly dwells on their pathogenesis and management.

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