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Wilson' s Disease

Medical Questions » Wilson' s Disease
Name: Wilson' s Disease
Also known as: Hepatolenticular Degeneration
A rare disorder of copper metabolism with symptoms relating to the brain, the liver or both.
Causes of Wilson' s Disease
Inherited disorder that results in the excessive deposition of copper in the liver and brain. Occurs in both sexes and is usually diagnosed between 10 and 30 years of age.
Symptoms of Wilson' s Disease
Excess copper in the brain may cause psychiatric disorders, rigid muscles and a tremor. Liver disease symptoms include jaundice (yellow skin), an enlarged liver and/or spleen, anemia and hepatitis. A brown/green ring (Kayser-Fleischer ring) around the iris (colored part) in the eye is easily visible.
Tests for Wilson' s Disease
Diagnosis confirmed by blood tests that detect the excessive copper.
Treatment for Wilson' s Disease
Copper can be removed by a number of drugs (eg. penicillamine), and a diet low in copper (eg. avoiding shellfish, beans and offal). Lifelong treatment is necessary to keep copper levels low.
Complications of Wilson' s Disease of its treatment
Any damage to the brain or liver caused before the treatment is started cannot usually be reversed.
Likely Outcome of Wilson' s Disease
The long-term outlook is normally good.
       
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