[Hemolytic anemia disclosing Wilson's disease. Report of 2 cases].
BACKGROUND
The liver and central nervous system are the usual targets of Wilson's disease, an inherited disorder of copper metabolism. Severe hemolytic anemia is an unusual complication of Wilson's disease.


METHODS
We report two cases of Wilson's disease revealed by acute intravascular hemolytic anemia associated with liver failure. Blood smear analysis showed stippled red cells in one case; hemolytic anemia improved within a few weeks in both patients but progressive liver failure required transplantation in the other. Hemolysis probably results from the toxic effect of free serum copper on erythrocyte membrane.


CONCLUSIONS
Diagnosis of Wilson's disease must be considered in case of acute hemolytic anemia associated with liver failure in young adults.
Service de médecine interne, hôpital Henri-Mondor, 51, avenue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France. Marc.Michel8@wanadoo.fr
M
M
Michel
M
M
Lafaurie
V
V
Noël
L
L
Pico
A
A
Bastie
B
B
Godeau
A
A
Schaeffer
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006527:Hepatolenticular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans