Idiopathic copper toxicosis (ICT) is a rare liver disease of young age, probably caused by the concurrent action of two factors: an excessive dietary copper intake and genetically conditioned impaired copper metabolism. The authors describe the clinical course of the disease, the typical biochemical and histological finding, differential diagnosis of other disorders of copper metabolism and possible treatment, and the probable etiopathogenesis. As a source of excessive copper intake they contemplate on drinking water in case of badly installed copper pipes for drinking water which is excessively aggressive against copper. This risk exists also in the Czech Republic.

        Key words: idiopathic copper toxicosis, drinking water, copper, micro-micronodular cirrhosis, children