Delirium due to sepsis-associated encephalopathy mimicking alcohol withdrawal delirium

Abstract

Delirium is caused by an underlying physiological disturbance, and treatment requires identification of the underlying cause. Making this diagnosis requires careful differential diagnosis. However, often the cause of delirium is hard to recognize. The aim of this study was to report a case of sepsis-associated encephalopathy presented as delirium in a patient during alcohol withdrawal. This case study is about a 58-year-old male patient who had a significant history of alcohol dependence and was admitted for abdominal abscess-related sepsis. Delirium was noted during hospitalization.

Keywords

• Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
• delirium
• sepsis-associated encephalopathy