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Severe Ataxia, Myelopathy, and Peripheral Neuropathy Due to Acquired Copper Deficiency in a Patient With History of Gastrectomy

Jeremias C. Tan, MD^*, David L. Burns, MD, CNSP^* and H. Royden Jones, MD

From ^* Gastroenterology and Neurology, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts

Correspondence: David L. Burns, MD, CNSP, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, 41 Mall Rd, 6 Central Gastroenterology, Burlington, MA 01805. Electronic mail may be sent to David.L.Burns{at}lahey.org.

Background: In animal studies, copper absorption has been demonstrated to occur in the proximal gut via duodenal enterocytes. Acquired copper deficiency is known as "swayback" in ruminant animals and Menkes' disease in humans. Copper is an essential micronutrient necessary for the hematologic and neurologic systems. Acquired copper deficiency in humans has been described, causing a syndrome similar to the subacute combined degeneration of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Methods: This is a single case report. Our patient developed a neurologic constellation of ataxia, myelopathy, and peripheral neuropathy similar to vitamin B₁₂ deficiency many years after gastrectomy for severe peptic ulcer disease. The patient was maintained for decades with enteral feedings via jejunostomy that provided the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for copper. Results: Copper deficiency was suspected, identified, and treated. Over 3 months of follow-up, serum copper levels increased from 4 µg/dL to 20 µg/dL (70–150 µg/dL), and ceruloplasmin increased from 6 mg/dL to 8 mg/dL (14–58 mg/dL). During this short time of follow-up, the patient has had no further progression of his neurologic symptoms. Conclusions: Ataxia and myelopathy secondary to acquired copper deficiency are rare complications of major gastric resection. This is quite similar to the syndrome of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Vitamin B₁₂ repletion does not improve symptoms. Bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass surgery result in a similar functional anatomy of the proximal gut and may place more patients at increased risk. Early recognition and therapy with oral or parenteral copper may lead to a decrease in both neurologic and hematologic consequences.

Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Vol. 30, No. 5, 446-450 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0148607106030005446


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