Source
Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
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.