Vitamin E deficiency associated with vision loss and bulbar weakness.
We describe a 14-year-old boy who was severely debilitated by the neurological syndrome associated with vitamin E deficiency secondary to chronic cholestatic liver disease. In addition to the usual neurological deficits described with this deficiency, the patient had severe bulbar weakness and vision loss which we attribute to the degree and duration of his vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency may have contributed to his visual disturbance. Early recognition of vitamin E deficiency is important, as the neurological and visual disorders which result are treatable.
D000293:Adolescent; D002780:Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / Q000150:complications*; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008286:Malabsorption Syndromes / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology; D012162:Retinal Degeneration / Q000209:etiology; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D014811:Vitamin E Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology