The Effect of BAL (2,3-Dimercaptopropanol) on Hepatolenticular Degeneration (Wilson's Disease)

Abstract

HEPATOLENTICULAR degeneration is an uncommon but not rare disease that is generally regarded as incurable. In our experience one or two cases may be found in the outpatient department of any large general hospital, often mistakenly labeled as multiple sclerosis or Parkinsonism. The more chronic type of the disease, earlier known as "pseudosclerosis" because of the prominence of an intention tremor as a symptom, is grouped with the "progressive lenticular degeneration" of Wilson, under the general heading of "hepatolenticular degeneration."^{1 , 2} This disease is of considerable interest, for it is one of the few chronic degenerative diseases of the nervous system . . .