Spinocerebellar ataxia and polyneuropathy secondary to vitamin e deficiency
Guiraud-Chaumeil, C.; Battaglia, F.; Tranchant, C.; Warter, J.M.
Presse Medicale 28(10): 524-526
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 10209539 Document Number: 504121
Cerebellar ataxia or peripheral neuropathy can be signs of vitamin E deficiency. We report two cases. Two patients developed vitamin E deficiency subsequent to intestinal malabsorption. The first patient had a duodenogastric communication and dilatation of the first jejunal loop. The second patient had deficient pancreas secretion and dilatation of the biliary tree. Vitamin E deficiency is generally secondary to acquired or hereditary malabsorption syndrome. It can also occur in the absence of malabsorption by hereditary deficiency in alpha-tocopherol transporter. Vitamin E supplements are required for malabsorption. The etiology work-up of neuropathy or cerebellar ataxia should include vitamin E assay.