Wilson’s Disease in an Early Adolescent: Classic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

TL;DR

This case report describes Wilson’s disease in an adolescent girl and highlights key MRI findings that help in diagnosing the condition.

Contribution

The paper emphasizes the diagnostic value of specific MRI signs in early adolescent Wilson’s disease cases.

Findings

Classic MRI findings such as the 'face of a giant panda sign' and 'Face of a miniature panda sign' were observed.

MRI is crucial for identifying neurological involvement in Wilson’s disease in adolescents.

Early recognition of these MRI signs can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract

Wilson’s disease (WD), alternatively termed hepatolenticular degeneration, represents a rare autosomal recessive disorder typified by disrupted copper metabolism, culminating in copper accumulation across various organs. WD commonly manifests with early-onset liver cirrhosis, with notable involvement of the central nervous system, particularly impacting the midbrain and basal ganglia. This case report delineates the clinical presentation of an early adolescent female with WD, accentuating classical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. These MRI findings, which include the “face of a giant panda sign” and the “Face of a miniature panda sign,” are pivotal for expeditious diagnosis. Recognition of these classical signs underscores the indispensable role of MRI in elucidating the neurological dimensions of WD.

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