What are the symptoms of Wilson disease?
Wilson disease first attacks the liver, the central nervous system, or both. A buildup of copper in the liver may cause ongoing liver disease. Rarely, acute liver failure occurs; most patients develop signs and symptoms that accompany chronic liver disease, including • swelling of the liver or spleen • jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes • fluid buildup in the legs or abdomen • a tendency to bruise easily • fatigue A buildup of copper in the central nervous system may result in neurologic symptoms, including • problems with speech, swallowing, or physical coordination • tremors or uncontrolled movements • muscle stiffness • behavioral changes Other signs and symptoms of Wilson disease include • anemia • low platelet or white blood cell count • slower blood clotting, measured by a blood test • high levels of amino acids, protein, uric acid, and carbohydrates in urine • premature osteoporosis and arthritis Kayser-Fleischer rings result from a buildup of copper in th
