Transfusion-Related Hemochromatosis Involving Pituitary Gland in a Patient of Beta-Thalassemia Major

Abstract

Introduction: Hemochromatosis of the pituitary gland is a form of iron overload disease which occurs in different clinical conditions related to multiple blood transfusions. Case Presentation: We present a case of secondary hemochromatosis involving the pituitary gland and choroid plexus in an eightyear-old female with imaging findings and a review of the relevant literature. Our patient has had a history of cessation of growth in height for the last 1 year. She was diagnosed with a thalassemia major at the age of 6 months. She has been on regular blood transfusions since then. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed evidence of iron deposition in the pituitary gland. Conclusion: This diagnosis should be suspected on clinical presentation and history of multiple blood transfusions. It can be confirmed based on characteristic imaging findings. The patient should be strictly monitored with serum iron levels, and a tailored iron chelation therapy should be initiated.

Choroid plexus and pituitary gland hemochromatosis induced by transfusional iron overload: Two case reports

“…Because brain cells are normally well shielded from iron deposition by the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), CNS hemochromatosis has been reported mainly outside the BBB, including the choroid plexus and the pituitary gland [7] . CNS hemochromatosis tends to be asymptomatic unless the pituitary gland is affected, which can result in hypopituitarism [ 6 , 12 , 13 ]. The choroid plexus has been shown to be an important interface for brain iron homeostasis and is hypothesized to protect the brain from iron deposition through a buffering mechanism [ 3 , 4 ].…”