Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Positron Emission Tomography Using 64-Copper as a Tracer for the Study of Copper-Related Disorders
Published on: April 28, 2023
A diagnostic dilemma in a child with Wilson's disease
Dina E Sallam1, Gloria Thomas Guergues2, Noha Mohsen Samak3
1Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of pediatric Wilson's disease (WD) presenting with multisystem symptoms. Early copper studies and timely chelation therapy are crucial for rapid recovery in children with WD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hepatology
- Nephrology
- Genetic Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare genetic disorder of copper metabolism.
- Children with WD can present with atypical multisystem symptoms, including kidney involvement, mimicking other diseases.
Background:
Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare copper (Cu) metabolism disorder with toxic organ accumulation. Diagnosis challenges persist in children with atypical multisystem presentations, including uncommon kidney involvement, that may mimic autoimmune and systemic diseases.
Clinical Presentation:
A 10-year-old girl presented with recurrent jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, poor school performance, and polyuria. She had cachexia, hepatosplenomegaly, kinetic hand tremors, non-immune hemolytic anemia, and mild glomerular and tubular dysfunction. Urosepsis triggered decompensation with worsening hepatic function, acute kidney injury (AKI) with Fanconi-like tubulopathy, coagulopathy, low complements, + ve autoantibodies, and elevated IgG. Despite autoimmune and malignancy mimics, Cu studies confirmed WD; D-penicillamine and zinc achieved rapid hepatorenal and hemolysis recovery. Fibrosis regressed at 1 year despite late ocular affection.
Conclusion:
This case underscores diagnostic challenges of pediatric WD with multisystem involvement mimicking autoimmune and malignant disorders, emphasizing early Cu studies in multisystem jaundice. Timely chelation therapy achieved rapid improvement.
Related Concept Videos
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Lysosomal Hydrolases

