Abstract:Wilson's disease is one of the most common inherited liver diseases with a worldwide incidence of 10-30 million cases. The increased frequency in certain countries is due to high rates of consanguinity and the fulminant presentation of the disease is more common in females than in males. It is an autosomal-recessive disorder caused by mutation in the ATP7B gene, with resultant impairment of biliary excretion of copper. Subsequent copper accumulation, first in the liver but later on in the brain and other tissues, produces clinical manifestations that may include hepatic, neurological, psychiatric, ophthalmological and other derangements. Genetic testing is impractical because of the multitude of mutations that have been identified, so accurate diagnosis relies on judicious use of laboratory and other diagnostic tests. Lifelong palliative treatment with a different combination of medications, or with liver transplantation if needed, can successfully ameliorate or prevent the progressive deterioration of the disease, otherwise death would inevitably ensue. Since effective treatment is available for this disease, early and correct diagnosis is very important. Here, we report a case of Wilson's disease in a 15-year-old girl presenting to us as chronic liver disease.
Both dengue and tuberculosis are endemic in South Asian countries, including Bangladesh. Here we report an interesting case presenting as suspected dengue fever and eventually diagnosed as a case of brain tuberculosis. A 27-year-old immunocompetent male presented to us with fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, and photophobia for five days. He had no other complaints, and clinical examination findings were normal. Full blood count revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis; dengue antigen test and anti-dengue antibody test were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed both supra and infra-tentorial multiple small (2-4 mm) gadolinium-enhancing lesions suggestive of tuberculomas. A cerebrospinal fluid study revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis with raised protein, low sugar level, and positive Gene Xpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid, California, US) assay test. Investigations did not reveal the involvement of other organs except for the brain. We started standard anti-tuberculosis therapy (HRZE) along with steroids and pyridoxine, and the patient became symptom-free within one week. The patient was discharged with the advice of follow-up after one month. The clinical course and all investigation findings of this case are presented. Central nervous system tuberculosis may present with non-specific signs and symptoms and may be misdiagnosed as other infections, including dengue, particularly during an ongoing epidemic. It may cause significant morbidity and mortality when the diagnosis is delayed due to its vague clinical presentation.
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