Cognitive Impairment in Vitamin E Deficiency Syndrome

Keimyung Medical Journal 2011;30(1):126-130.

인지기능장애가 동반된 비타민 E 결핍증후군

이현아

Abstract

Vitamin E deficiency syndrome; which is related to cystic fibrosis; abetalipoproteinemia; hepatobiliary abnormalities; short bowel syndrome and idiopathic causes; can have a profound effect on the nervous system. Besides hyporeflexia; ataxia; extraocular muscular disturbances; muscle weakness or blurred vision; cognitive dysfunction associated with vitamin E deficiency can be seen. A 25-year-old male presented with progressive ataxia and cognitive dysfunction for 6 months. He showed also muscular weakness; proprioceptive dysfunction on the neurological examination. Brain and spinal MRI; brain SPECT; CSF evaluation were normal. Serum vitamin E level was lower than normative value. By vitamin E supplement; muscular weakness; cognitive dysfunction were a little bit improved. We couldn’t find any causative abnormalities for vitamin E deficiency. We experienced a case of isolated vitamin E deficiency syndrome with cognitive dysfunction and multiple neurological abnormalities.

Key Words: Ataxia, Cognitive impairment, Vitamin E deficiency