Wilson's disease: a diagnostic dilemma.

A 13 year old boy presented with headache, sore throat, myalgia, and fever and subsequently developed haemolytic anaemia and acute liver failure. Wilson's disease, a rare cause of acute liver failure, was diagnosed at necropsy. In such cases Wilson's disease must be diagnosed at an early stage for treatment to be effective. The most reliable indications are increased urinary and hepatic copper concentrations.