Wilson's Disease | Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing Wilson’s disease can be hard because its symptoms often are like other liver diseases, such as hepatitis. Also, symptoms can occur over time. Changes in behavior that come on gradually can be especially hard to link to Wilson’s disease.

Doctors rely on symptoms and test results to make the diagnosis. Tests and procedures used to diagnose Wilson’s disease include:

Blood and urine tests. Blood tests can monitor your liver function and check the level of a protein called ceruloplasmin that binds copper in the blood. They can check the level of copper in your blood too. Your doctor also might want to measure the amount of copper removed in your urine during a 24-hour period.
Eye exam. Using a microscope with a high-intensity light, an eye doctor checks your eyes for Kayser-Fleischer rings. This is called a slit-lamp exam. These rings are caused by extra copper in the eyes. Wilson’s disease also is related to a type of cataract, called a sunflower cataract. This cataract can be seen during an eye exam.
Removing a sample of liver tissue for testing, also known as a biopsy. In a biopsy, your doctor inserts a thin needle through your skin and into your liver. Then your doctor draws a small sample of tissue. A laboratory tests the tissue for extra copper.
Genetic testing. A blood test can pinpoint the genetic changes that cause Wilson’s disease. If you have the changed gene that causes Wilson’s disease, doctors also can screen any siblings. If any have the changed gene, that sibling can start treatment before symptoms begin.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.