Wilson's disease presenting with HELLP syndrome; A case report

Abstract

Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder. It is characterized by toxic accumulation of copper mainly in the liver and brain but also in cornea and kidney due to a defect in biliary excretion of copper. The hepatic manifestation of WD is diverse and may include asymptomatic elevation of aminotransferase, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or acute/fulminant hepatic failure. Characteristic of acute hepatic failure in WD is concomitance of acute intravascular hemolytic anemia. Acute intravascular hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia in WD may be interpreted as a feature of Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelet Count (HELLP) syndrome besides acute liver failure. The differential diagnosis may be very difficult. Here, WD in pregnancy presenting with clinical symptoms of HELLP syndrome and developing acute liver failure in postpartum period is discussed.