Wilson's Disease

  My Aunt was diagnosed with Celiac's disease 2 years ago; however, after lifestyle and dietary changes her health has not improved. Recently, her blood tests showed her copper levels to be three times normal and her liver enzymes were also elevated. Is it possible that she may have had Wilson's disease and not Celiac's? Are the symptoms of these conditions similar? Or is it possible that her copper levels are just a precursor of organic brain disease or cancer?
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Dear Gwyn,
Celiac disease is a condition in which there is flattening of the inner lining of the small intestine that results from an immune reaction to gliadind, a protein component of wheat, barley and rye.  Celiac disease can present with symptoms of weight loss, diarrhea and malabsorption or just with iron deficiency anemia.
Wilsons Disease is a condition in which there is excess deposition of copper in the liver and brain.  Patients with Wilson's Disease can present with a wide range of liver problems ( chronic hepatitis to fulminant liver failure), Parkinson's-like disease or psychiatric problems.  The clinical presentation of Celiac disease is completely different from that of Wilson's disease and the two conditions should not be confused.
Patients with Wilson's Disease who are older usually have neurologic symptoms in addition to the liver problem.  Blood tests and a liver biopsy can confirm if Wilson's disease is the cause of the increased liver tests.
As mentioned in Steve's response patients with Wilson's disease have elevated liver copper but not blood levels.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: celiac disease, Wilson's Disease
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