Pellagra encephalopathy in the context of alcoholism: review and case report.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to review and describe the Alcoholic Pellagra Encephalopathy, a severe neuropsychiatric condition caused by a combination of niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency and alcohol abuse.

METHODS

PsychInfo, Medline and Embase databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies addressing this illness.

RESULTS

A historical and conceptual review of the psychopathological aspects of this condition is offered, followed by the report of a patient with a history of chronic alcohol consumption showing signs of pellagra, delusions and visual hallucinations, which was treated successfully with niacin.

CONCLUSION

Pellagra encephalopathy should still be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute psychotic disorders seen in the context of chronic alcoholism.