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Published on: March 4, 2014
Wilson disease with an initial manifestation of polyneuropathy
Keun-Hwa Jung1, Tae-Beom Ahn, Beom S Jeon
1Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
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.
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