Value of molecular analysis of Wilson's disease in the absence of tissue copper deposits: a novel ATP7B mutation in an adult patient

Neth J Med. 2008 Sep;66(8):348-50.

Abstract

Wilson's disease (WD) is a disorder of copper metabolism leading to copper accumulation in the liver and in extrahepatic organs, such as brain and cornea. We present a patient with liver disease who did not fulfil the biochemical criteria for WD. Mutational analysis was necessary to make the diagnosis and show a new mutation. Our case supports the use of mutation analysis in cases with unclear liver disease and suggests that the spectrum of WD is broader than currently assumed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / genetics*
  • Adult
  • Cation Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Copper / toxicity*
  • Copper-Transporting ATPases
  • Female
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / diagnosis*
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / genetics
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Biology*
  • Mutation

Substances

  • Cation Transport Proteins
  • Copper
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • ATP7B protein, human
  • Copper-Transporting ATPases