Kayser-Fleischer Ring

Overview

4.8 out of 5 (6 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

25 Jan 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Kayser-Fleischer rings are a common ophthalmological finding in patients with Wilson disease—a genetic disorder that affects copper metabolism in the body. Usually evident in late childhood or early adolescence, these rings develop due to excess copper deposition on the inner surface of the cornea within the Descemet membrane. Occasionally, Kayser-Fleischer rings may manifest in patients with other conditions, such as primary biliary cholangitis, neonatal cholestasis, and liver disease. Additional complications include psychiatric illnesses, neurological symptoms, cardiomyopathy, infertility, and hemolytic anemia. Without proper treatment, Wilson disease can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure, ultimately resulting in death.

Kayser-Fleischer rings are not specific to Wilson disease, and they can be found in patients with primary biliary cholangitis and children with neonatal cholestasis. These rings do not typically cause visual impairment and can be resolved through treatment. However, they may reappear with disease progression, serving as valuable indicators of the patient's response to therapy and adherence to treatment. A slit-lamp examination is essential to diagnose Kayser-Fleischer rings, especially in the early stages, unless the rings are visible to the naked eye in conditions of severe copper overload. Prompt recognition of Kayser-Fleischer rings, evaluation of the underlying cause, and management of excess copper levels are crucial in reducing patient morbidity and mortality. This activity reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, and management of Kayser-Fleischer rings, highlighting the critical roles of the interprofessional healthcare team in ensuring the timely evaluation of the condition and treatment of affected individuals.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify Kayser–Fleischer rings during ocular examinations and understand their potential occurrence in conditions such as Wilson disease, primary biliary cholangitis, neonatal cholestasis, and liver disease.

  • Implement a slit-lamp examination to diagnose Kayser-Fleischer rings, especially in early stages or severe copper overload.

  • Apply knowledge of the broader implications of Kayser-Fleischer rings, including associated complications and outcomes.

  • Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive evaluation and treatment of patients with Kayser–Fleischer rings.

Disclosures

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

Diane P. on 12/6/2021

courtney m. on 8/9/2022

Adriana S. on 9/10/2022

Scott S. on 11/3/2022

James L. on 4/17/2023

Scott S. on 3/25/2024

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