Wilson
Wilson's Disease
Wilson's Disease (pronounced: /ˈwɪlsənz diːˈziːz/), also known as hepatolenticular degeneration and progressive lenticular degeneration, is a rare inherited disorder that causes copper to accumulate in your liver, brain and other vital organs.
Etymology
The disease is named after Dr. Samuel Alexander Kinnier Wilson (1878–1937), a British neurologist who first described the condition in 1912.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Wilson's Disease are typically related to the build-up of copper in the body. These may include jaundice, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Neurological symptoms such as tremors, poor coordination, and dysarthria (problems with speech) may also occur.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Wilson's Disease can be challenging due to its wide range of symptoms. It is typically confirmed through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and an eye examination for Kayser-Fleischer rings - a distinctive copper-colored ring that forms around the cornea of the eye.
Treatment
Treatment for Wilson's Disease typically involves medications to reduce the amount of copper in the body, and in severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Prognosis
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, individuals with Wilson's Disease can lead normal lives. However, if left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
Related Terms
- Hepatology: The branch of medicine that incorporates the study of liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas as well as management of their disorders.
- Genetic disorder: A disease caused by abnormalities in an individual's genetic material.
- Copper: A chemical element that is a reddish, extremely ductile metal and an excellent conductor of electricity and heat.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wilson
- Wikipedia's article - Wilson
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