Axonal sensory motor neuropathy in copper-deficient Wilson's disease

Muscle Nerve. 2009 Aug;40(2):294-6. doi: 10.1002/mus.21425.

Abstract

Copper deficiency may cause myeloneuropathy or progressive limb weakness. By contrast, Wilson's disease (WD) is characterized by progressive copper accumulation with hepatic and neurological impairment and requires life-long treatment with zinc and/or chelator agents. We report a WD patient who developed axonal sensory motor neuropathy in the context of copper deficiency due to his treatment with zinc and chelators. Exhaustive testing for other etiologies was negative. After treatment adjustment, only mild clinical improvement was noted during long-term follow-up. Muscle Nerve 40: 294-296, 2009.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Axons / physiology
  • Chelating Agents / adverse effects
  • Copper / deficiency*
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / drug therapy
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / metabolism*
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / pathology*
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / metabolism*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Zinc / adverse effects

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Copper
  • Zinc