Clinical practice guidelines on hemochromatosis: Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver

Case report: Ultrasonographic and computed tomographic imaging features of hemochromatosis in a dog

“…Hemochromatosis is defined as a disorder characterized by excessive iron deposition, leading to multiple organ dysfunction, with a particular emphasis on liver toxicity. Serum ferritin concentrations, which are associated with tissue iron storage and provide a useful measure of total body iron, are used to diagnose iron overload conditions ( 9 ). However, because ferritin is an acute-phase protein, animals with coexisting inflammation, as well as those with other illnesses such as hemolytic and hepatic diseases and some neoplastic disorders, may have higher quantities of ferritin ( 1 ).…”

“…In humans, hepatomegaly is observed frequently in the early stages, but cirrhosis occurs when the hemochromatosis is progressive ( 9 ). Histologically, as iron accumulates, fibrosis slowly develops in a periportal distribution.…”

“…To prevent irreversible organ damage in patients with hemochromatosis, early diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate treatments are critical ( 9 ). Phlebotomy is the standard treatment in humans.…”

“…Phlebotomy is the standard treatment in humans. However, in the cases of both iron overload and anemia, iron chelation therapy may also be considered ( 9 ). However, as hemochromatosis has rarely been reported in veterinary medicine, there is no experience with iron chelation in dogs.…”

“…In veterinary medicine, presenting symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation, peripheral vascular collapse, pulmonary edema, and hepatic failure, as well as coma and death ( 1 ). The general methods for diagnosing hepatic iron overload in human medicine include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or hepatic biopsies ( 9 ). However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no previous report of diagnostic imaging characteristics of hemochromatosis in dogs.…”