Heterozygous carriers for Wilson's disease--magnetic spectroscopy changes in the brain

Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder and the WD heterozygote carriers (Hzc) should not exhibit symptoms of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess 12 WD Hzc by brain Proton MR Spectroscopy. In three cases, the levels of caeruloplasmin, and in one case, serum copper, were below our normal range. In two Hzc the aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels in the blood were slightly increased, however, no ultrasonographic liver changes were detected. The brain metabolite analysis showed a statistically significant higher mean ratio of Glx/Cr and Lip/Cr in MRS in Hzc in both the pallidum and thalami compared to control subjects. Our results suggest that WD Hzc may accumulate free copper in the basal ganglia.