Kayser-Fleischer ring

Kayser-Fleischer rings (KF rings) are rings that appear to encircle the iris of the eye. They are due to copper deposition as a result of particular liver diseases.

Appearance-The rings, which consist of copper deposits where the cornea meets the sclera, in Descemet's membrane, first appear as a crescent at the top of the cornea. Eventually, a second crescent forms below, at 6 o'clock, and ultimately completely encircles the cornea.

C/F- abnormalities of the basal ganglia of the brain, liver cirrhosis, splenomegaly, involuntary movements, muscle rigidity, psychiatric disturbances, dystonia and dysphagia. The combination of neurological symptoms, a low blood ceruloplasmin level and KF rings is diagnostic of Wilson's disease
Other causes- cholestasis (obstruction of the bile ducts), primary biliary cirrhosis and "cryptogenic" cirrhosis.

lesson to learn- KF rings r not seen only in wilsons disease, it can also be seen in chronic liver diseases.
Serum ceruloplasmin- 27-37mg/dl.
Serum copper- 70-140ug/dl