Synovial copper deposition as a possible explanation of arthropathy in Wilson's disease.

: A patient with longstanding Wilson's disease and arthritis is presented. Synovial biopsy disclosed thickening of the membrane, intimal histiocytes, and lymphocyte infiltration without pigmentation. X-ray energy spectroscopy demonstrated copper and iron in high concentrations. These findings may contribute to our understanding of the development of the arthropathy in patients with Wilson's disease.