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Wilson's disease associated with pancreatitis.
1Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Service, Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Wilson's disease can present with pancreatitis, a condition causing abdominal pain and pancreatic inflammation. This pancreatitis often improves with copper chelation therapy, such as D-penicillamine.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder of copper metabolism.
- Abdominal pain is a common presenting symptom in pediatric patients with Wilson's disease.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain and distention, diagnosed with Wilson's disease.
- Pancreatitis was diagnosed concurrently, evidenced by elevated amylase and pancreatic ultrasonography findings.
Findings:
- D-penicillamine therapy led to resolution of abdominal pain and normalization of pancreatic function over 18 months.
- This suggests pancreatitis is a potential manifestation of Wilson's disease.
Implications:
- Pancreatitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in untreated Wilson's disease patients.
- Copper deposition in the pancreas may cause pancreatitis, responsive to chelation therapy.