Wilson's Disease Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Wilson's Disease, including details on treatment, causes, symptoms, medication.

Wilson disease with an initial manifestation of polyneuropathy.

Jung KH, Ahn TB, Jeon BS

Department 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.

Published 11 October 2005 in Arch Neurol, 62(10): 1628-31.
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