Eating avoidance disorder and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome following gastric bypass: an under-diagnosed association.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) and disordered eating behavior have been reported separately after bariatric surgery. We report a patient who following a bariatric operation developed WKS associated with a disturbed eating behavior without vomiting. This morbidly obese man developed an intense fear of gaining weight in the postoperative period and engaged in an extreme form of "food avoidance behavior". 2 months postoperatively after severe weight loss, he was hospitalized with disorientation and an amnesic syndrome. He was discharged 2 months later with stable weight and regular eating habits. Despite this, at the last follow-up visit 2 years postoperatively, he still had a residual partial amnesic syndrome. The surgical team must be aware of peculiar forms of pathological eating that may appear after bariatric surgery; the emergence of an eating avoidance disorder may be associated with the development of WKS.
Fandiño
Julia N
JN
Obesity and Eating Disorders Group (GOTA), Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB) and Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes of Rio de Janeiro (IEDE), Brazil. jufan@terra.com.br
Benchimol
Alexander K
AK
Fandiño
Leila N
LN
Barroso
Fernando L
FL
Coutinho
Walmir F
WF
Appolinário
José C
JC
D000328:Adult; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D020915:Korsakoff Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*