Which trace element accumulation is associated with Wilson's disease?

Which trace element accumulation is associated with Wilson's disease?

• A. Manganese
• B. Selenium
• C. Copper
• D. Iron

Answer: (C)

This item tests which trace element abnormally accumulates in Wilson's disease: copper. The disorder stems from a mutation in the ATP7B gene that impairs hepatic copper excretion into bile and prevents proper incorporation of copper into ceruloplasmin. As a result, copper builds up first in the liver and then in other tissues, including the brain and eyes, leading to neurologic symptoms and Kayser-Fleischer rings. Laboratory clues often include low ceruloplasmin and high hepatic copper with increased urinary copper excretion. The other elements are associated with different conditions—manganese with manganism, iron with hemochromatosis, and selenium-related issues—so copper is the element linked to Wilson's disease.

This item tests which trace element abnormally accumulates in Wilson's disease: copper. The disorder stems from a mutation in the ATP7B gene that impairs hepatic copper excretion into bile and prevents proper incorporation of copper into ceruloplasmin. As a result, copper builds up first in the liver and then in other tissues, including the brain and eyes, leading to neurologic symptoms and Kayser-Fleischer rings. Laboratory clues often include low ceruloplasmin and high hepatic copper with increased urinary copper excretion. The other elements are associated with different conditions—manganese with manganism, iron with hemochromatosis, and selenium-related issues—so copper is the element linked to Wilson's disease.