Which organ is primarily affected by copper accumulation in Wilson's disease?

Which organ is primarily affected by copper accumulation in Wilson's disease?

• A. Heart
• B. Kidney
• C. Liver
• D. Brain

Answer: (C)

Copper buildup in Wilson disease begins in the liver because the defect is in excreting copper into bile. This impaired biliary excretion causes copper to accumulate inside hepatocytes, making the liver the organ primarily affected. As the hepatic copper load grows beyond the liver’s capacity to store and detoxify it, copper spills into the bloodstream and then deposits in other tissues, notably the brain, which leads to neuropsychiatric symptoms. So, while brain and other organs can be involved, the liver is the main site where copper accumulates.

Copper buildup in Wilson disease begins in the liver because the defect is in excreting copper into bile. This impaired biliary excretion causes copper to accumulate inside hepatocytes, making the liver the organ primarily affected. As the hepatic copper load grows beyond the liver’s capacity to store and detoxify it, copper spills into the bloodstream and then deposits in other tissues, notably the brain, which leads to neuropsychiatric symptoms. So, while brain and other organs can be involved, the liver is the main site where copper accumulates.