Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Wilson's disease: a diagnostic dilemma.

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1983; 287 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.287.6388.313 (Published 30 July 1983) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1983;287:313
  1. H Nazer,
  2. V F Larcher,
  3. R J Ede,
  4. A P Mowat,
  5. R Williams

    Abstract

    A 13 year old boy presented with headache, sore throat, myalgia, and fever and subsequently developed haemolytic anaemia and acute liver failure. Wilson's disease, a rare cause of acute liver failure, was diagnosed at necropsy. In such cases Wilson's disease must be diagnosed at an early stage for treatment to be effective. The most reliable indications are increased urinary and hepatic copper concentrations.