Endocrine symptoms as the initial manifestation of Wilson's disease

Yale J Biol Med. 2012 Jun;85(2):249-54. Epub 2012 Jun 25.

Abstract

Wilson's disease is a rare genetic disorder of copper metabolism. The difference in copper tissue accumulation is responsible for the various clinical manifestations of this disorder. If left untreated, Wilson's disease progresses to hepatic failure, severe neurological disability, and even death. Due to the complex clinical picture of Wilson's disease, its diagnosis relies on a high index of suspicion. In our paper, we present endocrine symptoms suggesting the presence of insulinoma and hyperprolactinemia as the initial clinical manifestation of Wilson's disease in a young female. Zinc acetate treatment resulted in the disappearance of hypoglycemia, galactorrhea, and menstrual abnormalities.

Keywords: Wilson’s disease; insulinoma; prolactinoma; zinc acetate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amenorrhea / diagnosis
  • Amenorrhea / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endocrine System / drug effects
  • Endocrine System / metabolism
  • Endocrine System / pathology
  • Female
  • Galactorrhea / diagnosis
  • Galactorrhea / etiology
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / complications
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / diagnosis*
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / diagnosis*
  • Hyperprolactinemia / etiology
  • Insulinoma / diagnosis*
  • Insulinoma / etiology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult
  • Zinc Acetate / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Zinc Acetate