Wilson disease with an initial manifestation of polyneuropathy

Arch Neurol. 2005 Oct;62(10):1628-31. doi: 10.1001/archneur.62.10.1628.

Abstract

Background: Recognition of Wilson disease (WD) is sometimes difficult because of its diverse manifestations. Peripheral neuropathy is rarely reported in the context of WD.

Objective: To report an unusual patient with WD whose initial manifestation was peripheral neuropathy.

Design: Case report.

Setting: Neurology department in a tertiary referral center.

Method: Personal observation.

Result: A 17-year-old man, who was eventually diagnosed with WD, was initially seen with polyneuropathy at least 6 months prior to developing more typical symptoms of WD. Electrophysiological and pathological studies suggested a neuropathy of mixed type. Treatment for WD resulted in clinical and electrophysiological improvement.

Conclusion: Wilson disease may initially appear as a treatable polyneuropathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain / pathology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / complications*
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Polyneuropathies / etiology*
  • Polyneuropathies / pathology
  • Sural Nerve / pathology