Iron is deposited in a variety of organs including the liver, myocardium, pituitary gland, and pancreas, leading to deleterious effects such as abnormally elevated liver function tests, heart failure, pituitary failure, and the onset of diabetes mellitus.
Haemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder in which mutations of the HFE gene lead to elevated levels of iron absorption, leading to iron overload.
Medically, regular venesection or iron chelation may be required.
Haemochromatosis may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as increased cardiovascular risks associated with heart failure and diabetes.
The prognosis may vary considerably depending on the degree of liver damage present.