[An unrecognized cause of myelopathy associated with copper deficiency: the use of denture cream]

Abstract

We report two patients with myelopathy associated with copper deficiency and pancytopenia. Excessive intake of zinc can lead to a severe deficiency of copper reducing the absorption of ingested copper. The patients had in common consumption of denture adhesive paste containing zinc. In both patients, laboratory tests showed a combination of copper deficiency, hyperzincemia and increased urinary zinc level. The use of a denture cream was stopped. Copper supplementation, initially subcutaneously then oral corrected the copper deficiency and pancytopenia. Clinically, the pain faded but the gait disturbance persisted. Copper deficiency associated with the use of denture cream rich in zinc is an unrecognized cause of myelopathy associated with pancytopenia which should be diagnosed early to establish appropriate therapeutic measures to minimize neurological complications.