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Surv Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul-Aug;55(4):386-92. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2010.02.002. Epub 2010 May 10.

Combined optic neuropathy and myelopathy secondary to copper deficiency.

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  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Abstract

We report two patients, both with a history of gastric surgery, who presented with progressive optic neuropathy and myelopathy. The patients' symptoms were initially attributed to vitamin B12 deficiency and/or neuromyelitis optica; however, after the neurologic deficits continued to progress with the use of conventional treatments, further evaluation was initiated, and a severe copper deficiency was revealed. Copper deficiency is a rare cause of progressive optic neuropathy and myelopathy and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. It is crucial to elicit a history of gastric surgery or other risk factors for hypocupremia in those patients undergoing an evaluation for subacute or chronically progressive optic neuropathy or myelopathy.

Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PMID:
20451943
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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