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Wilson's disease. Psychiatric manifestations may be the clinical presentation
G H Jackson1, A Meyer, S Lippmann
1Department of Internal Medicine and Neurology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Abstract:
It is important to consider Wilson's disease in patients with psychiatric signs and symptoms who also have abnormal liver function test results or neurologic findings, or both. Thorough evaluation of emotionally disturbed persons, including complete history taking, careful physical examination, and appropriate laboratory profile, generally rules out or arouses suspicion of Wilson's disease during routine screening. Laboratory abnormalities necessitate repeated studies and additional family and personal history taking with emphasis on possible Wilson's disease. Further workup may then be indicated. Prompt recognition and vigorous, consistent treatment can minimize symptoms and tissue damage. Identifying a case of Wilson's disease and seeing clinical aspects improve with appropriate therapy is gratifying.