A case study of neurological involvement in Wilson’s disease

Abstract

Background: Wilson’s disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, cornea and kidneys. This is a hospital-based study; there are no community- based prevalence and incidence studies of Wilson’s disease in India. Case Summary: A33 yr. male patient presented to medicine department with complaints of slurring of speech, difficulty in walking since 15 days and abdominal distension. Using the elevated levels of ceruloplasmin, urine copper and the presence of KF rings on both eyes Wilson’s disease with decompensated cirrhosis was confirmed. The patient started on zinc and antioxidants. Gradually he showed improvement in clinical signs. The patient was follow up regularly.

Conclusion: Wilson’s disease is an inherited metabolic disorder. Early diagnosis and appropriate management help to prevent the systemic complications. Siblings needed to be screened to prevent manifestations. It also points out the need to suspect Wilson’s disease in any young patient presented with the unexplained liver disease.