Thursday, September 3, 2015

Picture Diagnosis




Q: 32 year old male is transferred from outside hospital for transplant evaluation for acute liver failure. Medical student on exam wrote "unusual ring in the eyes". Diagnosis?






Answer: Kayser-Fleischer rings

Kayser-Fleischer ring is a hallmark of Wilson disease. The dense brown copper deposits encircle the iris. It requires slit-lamp examination. Though very highly suggestive of Wilson disease, Kayser-Fleischer rings are not specific for Wilson disease as they have been reported in cholestatic diseases, like primary biliary cirrhosis.


Clinical significance: Kayser-Fleischer rings gradually disappear with medical treatment for Wilson disease or if liver transplantation carried out. Their reappearance suggests either noncompliance or failed treatment.

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