Wilson's disease associated with pancreatitis.

A 12-year-old boy presented with a 2-month history of abdominal pain and distention. A diagnosis of Wilson's disease was established, and D-penicillamine therapy was initiated. An associated pancreatitis was diagnosed on presentation, based on elevated serum amylase and an enlarged pancreas ultrasonically. Subsequently, an 18-month follow-up disclosed no abdominal pain, with repeatedly normal serum amylase level and a normal pancreas on ultrasonography. Since abdominal pain is a common symptom in Wilson's disease on presentation, this possibility should be considered in untreated patients. It is concluded that pancreatitis may be associated with Wilson's disease, possibly because of copper deposition in the pancreas, and is probably responsive to copper chelation therapy.