title: Neurologic syndrome associated with low levels of vitamin E in primary biliary cirrhosis.
abstract: A 41-yr-old woman with primary biliary cirrhosis developed weakness and wasting in proximal muscles, areflexia, and decreased proprioceptive and vibratory sensation. Investigations revealed law serum levels of vitamin E and electromyographic and muscle biopsy changes consistent with a neuropathy. Sural nerve histology demonstrated axonal dystrophy with patchy demyelination. These features closely resemble a neurologic syndrome associated with chronic cholestatic liver disease and vitamin E deficiency in children. Adults with chronic cholestasis may also be susceptible to neurologic damage from prolonged malabsorption of vitamin E.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D013577:Syndrome; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D014810:Vitamin E