10 Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes

8. Wilson's Disease

Wilson's disease is a genetic disease caused by a mutation. This rare disorder causes too much copper to accumulate in the liver and brain. Excess copper in the liver causes damage, resulting in elevated liver enzymes. Diagnosis for this rare condition is often difficult. Symptoms typically first occur in adolescence. They include vomiting, fatigue, fluid buildup in the abdomen and legs, jaundice, itchiness, and swelling in the legs. When the body cannot properly rid itself of excess copper, it can accumulate to dangerous levels and become life-threatening. Once the condition is diagnosed, it can be treated and managed through lifestyle changes. These include simple practices such as refraining from eating foods high in copper.