Wilson's disease typically presents symptoms associated with liver damage or neuropsychiatric disturbances, while endocrinologic abnormalities are rare. We report an unprecedented case of hypopituitarism in a patient with Wilson's disease. A 40-year-old woman presented with depression, general weakness and anorexia. Laboratory tests and imaging studies were compatible with liver cirrhosis due to Wilson's disease. Basal hormone levels and pituitary function tests indicated secondary hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency due to hypopituitarism. Brain MRI showed T2 hyperintense signals in both basal ganglia and midbrain but the pituitary imaging was normal. She is currently receiving chelation therapy along with thyroid hormone and steroid replacement. There may be a relationship between Wilson's disease and hypopituitarism. Copper deposition or secondary neuronal damage in the pituitary may be a possible explanation for this theory.
Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a metabolic acidosis caused by impaired excretion of hydrogen ions or reabsorption of bicarbonate. Disorders caused by impairment of bicarbonate reabsorption in the proximal tubule are classified as proximal RTA, whereas those resulting from impairment of hydrogen ion secretion at the distal tubule are called distal RTA. The most common causes of distal renal tubular acidosis in adults are autoimmune disorders including Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Of the thyroiditis states, Graves' disease-associated RTA is a rare disease. We experienced and managed one case of hypokalemic muscle weakness associated with Graves' disease and distal renal tubular acidosis.
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