Idiopathic Copper Toxicosis: Rare Hepatic Affection in Early Childhood

Overview

Idiopathic copper toxicosis (ICT) is a rare liver disease of young age, probably caused by the concurrent actionof two factors: an excessive dietary copper intake and genetically conditioned impaired copper metabolism. Theauthors describe the clinical course of the disease, the typical biochemical and histological finding, differentialdiagnosis of other disorders of copper metabolism and possible treatment, and the probable etiopathogenesis. Asa source of excessive copper intake they contemplate on drinking water in case of badly installed copper pipes fordrinking water which is excessively aggressive against copper. This risk exists also in the Czech Republic.

Key words:
idiopathic copper toxicosis, drinking water, copper, micro-micronodular cirrhosis, children