Wilson´s Disease

a case report

Abstract

Objectives: This report describes a rare genetic disorder, called Wilson’s Disease, inherited in an autosomal recessive form, with symptoms very easily confused with other diseases. The underlying cause of the clinical manifestations is the accumulation of copper in various compartments of the human body, especially in places such as liver, brain, kidneys and corneas, due to mutations in the ATP7B gene encoding Cu + 2 ATPase, a copper carrier protein which is located in the Golgi complex of hepatocytes. Liver changes may present as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and, more rarely, fulminant hepatitis. Neurological changes are variable, predominantly extrapyramidal symptoms, tremors, dystonia, dysarthria, mood changes, and psychiatric symptoms, if not treated, progressive decrease in intellectual capacity. One of the most extraordinary characteristics of this syndrome is the great variability of phenotypic manifestations in patients who have the same mutation. In the diagnosis of Wilson’s disease, several biochemical parameters are analyzed: serum ceruloplasmin, serum copper, urinary excretion of copper and hepatic copper concentration. In addition, an ophthalmologic examination is performed with Kayser-Fleischer rings observation. In order to complement and facilitate the diagnosis, genetic studies can be performed, since the symptoms and laboratory abnormalities can often be associated with other diseases. Treatment is based on the use of copper chelating drugs. D-penicillamine is the drug of choice, despite the risk of neurological worsening in up to 50% of patients and the various side effects associated with its use. Trientin and tetrathiomolybdate are alternative drugs, the latter being chosen for individuals with neurological symptoms. Zinc is indicated for asymptomatic or maintenance therapy. Early treatment prevents serious complications. Case report: A 14-year-old patient from Poço Fundo-MG sought medical attention because of frequent episodes of facial paralysis, especially in the mandibular region, leading to dysphagia and dysphonia, as well as irritability and gait abnormalities. She underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which showed “symmetrical signal changes in the bilaterally striatum, with signs of edema of the caudate nuclei and caudate nuclei, and atrophy of the pale globes.” In view of the family history of Wilson’s syndrome, a differential diagnosis was performed, by serum concentration of ceruloplasmin and serum and urinary copper, which showed typical changes in Wilson’s syndrome and ocular biomicroscopy, which verified the presence of the Kayser-Fleischer ring. The patient did not present previous liver disease, showing that the disease does not always present as expected, and reflects the difficulty in establishing an early diagnosis that may prevent the emergence of the first symptoms. All patients with Wilson’s syndrome require multidisciplinary care since it is a disease that can significantly affect various organs and systems.