BOF: General (Iron)

Which of the following organs is NOT affected by tissue deposition of iron in hereditary haemochromatosis?

a) Basal ganglia

b) Pancreas

c) Pituitary

d) Testes

e) Thyroid

Answer:

a) Basal ganglia

Explanation:

The end organ damage of hereditary haemochroamatosis is caused by iron deposition in the liver (causing cirrhosis and in some cases hepatocellular carcinoma), myocardium, synovial membrane (causing arthritis), skin, pancreas (causing diabetes), and pituitary (causing hypogonadism, which may be contributed to by testicular deposition). There is not significant deposition in the basal ganglia. Wilson’s disease, a disorder of copper transport, leads to basal ganglia deposition and dysfunction.

Reference:

Bacon BR, Adams PC, Kowdley KV, Powell LW, Tavill AS. Diagnosis and Management of Hemochromatosis: 2011 Practice Guideline by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology (Baltimore, Md). 2011;54(1):328-343. doi:10.1002/hep.24330.