1. Major Organs Involved
The excess iron is stored in the bodily organs and tissues, such as the pancreas, liver, heart, brain, synovium (joints), and skin. Without treatment, the iron can damage and deposit these organs. Once the iron is absorbed, the iron does not leave the body and gets stored in these organs and synovium (joints).
Excess iron affects the liver because it is the major site of iron storage. Hemochromatosis can result to mild to moderate hepatomegaly and shrinkage from fibrosis and cirrhosis, diseases caused by liver inflammation. (2)
The most common defect that occurs from iron overload is congestive cardiomyopathy, a weak primary pumping chamber in the heart where the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body. (3)
Other Structures Involved and Effected
Hyperpigmentation is a skin pigmentation disorder that can be caused by iron overload. This causes an almond-colored hue, and in really heavy iron overdose, it causes a grayish discoloration.
Some musculoskeletal problems are also caused as a result of Hemochromatosis, such as arthropathy. Arthropathy generally affects large joints, like hips, and is a result of decades of iron deposition in articular cartilage. Other problems include severe cramps and disabling myalgias.
Hemochromatosis can also affect the adrenal, thyroid, and parathyroid glands. This can result in adrenal insufficiency, which causes fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure, hypothyroidism. This may result in weight gain, dry skin, and low heart rate. Hypoparathyroidism causes low calcium blood levels, muscle cramps, and tingling fingers and lips. (4)
The excess iron is stored in the bodily organs and tissues, such as the pancreas, liver, heart, brain, synovium (joints), and skin. Without treatment, the iron can damage and deposit these organs. Once the iron is absorbed, the iron does not leave the body and gets stored in these organs and synovium (joints).
Excess iron affects the liver because it is the major site of iron storage. Hemochromatosis can result to mild to moderate hepatomegaly and shrinkage from fibrosis and cirrhosis, diseases caused by liver inflammation. (2)
The most common defect that occurs from iron overload is congestive cardiomyopathy, a weak primary pumping chamber in the heart where the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body. (3)
Other Structures Involved and Effected
Hyperpigmentation is a skin pigmentation disorder that can be caused by iron overload. This causes an almond-colored hue, and in really heavy iron overdose, it causes a grayish discoloration.
Some musculoskeletal problems are also caused as a result of Hemochromatosis, such as arthropathy. Arthropathy generally affects large joints, like hips, and is a result of decades of iron deposition in articular cartilage. Other problems include severe cramps and disabling myalgias.
Hemochromatosis can also affect the adrenal, thyroid, and parathyroid glands. This can result in adrenal insufficiency, which causes fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure, hypothyroidism. This may result in weight gain, dry skin, and low heart rate. Hypoparathyroidism causes low calcium blood levels, muscle cramps, and tingling fingers and lips. (4)
1. "Organ Under The Stomach; Produces Insulin And Enzymes - HealthCentral." Organ Under The Stomach; Produces Insulin And Enzymes - HealthCentral. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/h/organ-under-the-stomach-produces-insulin-and-enzymes.html>.
2.. Schrier, Stanley L., MD, and Bruce R. Bacon, MD. "Treatment of Hereditary Hemochromatosis." N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2013. <http://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-hereditary-hemochromatosis>.
3. "Hemochromatosis and Osteoporosis." Rejuvenal. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2013. <http://www.rejuvenal.info/Terminology/hemochromatosis-osteoporosis-iron.html>.
4. "Adrenal Glands." N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2013. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002219.htm>.3. "Hemochromatosis Signs and Symptoms." Hemochromatosis. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2013.