Multiple sclerosis in two patients with coexisting Wilson's disease.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Genetics
• Immunology

Background:

• Wilson disease (WD) is an inherited copper metabolism disorder affecting the liver and nervous system.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease impacting the central nervous system.
• Co-occurrence of WD and MS is rare, presenting unique clinical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on two patients diagnosed with both Wilson disease and multiple sclerosis.
• To investigate the potential interaction between WD and MS, particularly regarding disease course and severity.

Main Methods:

• Case study of two patients with confirmed diagnoses of both WD and MS.
• Clinical observation and neurological assessment over extended periods (17 and 12 years).
• Evaluation of symptoms related to both WD (hepatic, neurological) and MS (neurological).

Main Results:

• Both patients were diagnosed with MS prior to WD.
• Neurological symptoms consistent with MS were present in both patients.
• The first patient exhibited classic WD neurological and physical signs; the second had liver injury but no WD neurological signs.
• Both patients experienced a very mild clinical course of MS during long-term observation.

Conclusions:

• The co-occurrence of WD and MS is documented in these cases.
• The mild MS progression in these patients may be linked to the immunosuppressive effects of excess free copper associated with Wilson disease.