Disease or Syndrome
hemochromatosis
Subclass of:
Metal Metabolism, Inborn Errors;
Iron Overload
Also called:
Hereditary Hemochromatosis; Iron overload disease; Primary Hemochromatosis
Definitions related to hemochromatosis:
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A condition in which the body takes up and stores more iron than it needs. The extra iron is stored in the liver, heart, and pancreas, which may cause liver disease, heart problems, organ failure, and cancer. It may also cause bronze skin, diabetes, pain in the joints and abdomen, tiredness, and impotence. Hemochromatosis may be inherited, or it may be caused by blood transfusions.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A disorder of iron metabolism characterized by a triad of HEMOSIDEROSIS; LIVER CIRRHOSIS; and DIABETES MELLITUS. It is caused by massive iron deposits in parenchymal cells that may develop after a prolonged increase of iron absorption. (Jablonski's Dictionary of Syndromes & Eponymic Diseases, 2d ed)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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A genetic condition in which the body absorbs and stores too much iron.Harvard Dictionary of Health TermsHarvard Medical Publishing, 2011
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Accumulation of iron in internal organs.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Hemochromatosis is a disease in which too much iron builds up in your body. Your body needs iron but too much of it is toxic. If you have hemochromatosis, you absorb more iron than you need. Your body has no natural way to get rid of the extra iron. It stores it in body tissues, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas. The extra iron can damage your organs. Without treatment, it can cause your organs to fail. There are two types of hemochromatosis. Primary hemochromatosis is an inherited disease. Secondary hemochromatosis is usually the result of something else, such as anemia, thalassemia, liver disease, or blood transfusions. Many symptoms of hemochromatosis are similar to those of other diseases. Not everyone has symptoms. If you do, you may have joint pain, fatigue, general weakness, weight loss, and stomach pain. Your doctor will diagnose hemochromatosis based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and the results from tests and procedures. Treatments include removing blood (and iron) from your body, medicines, and changes in your diet. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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(iron storage disorder) Condition in which there is a deviation or interruption in the storage of iron in the body.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Hemochromatosis is a hereditary disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron, causing iron to build up in the body and damage organs.Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Hemochromatosis is the abnormal accumulation of iron in parenchymal organs, leading to organ toxicity. This is the most common inherited liver disease in white persons and the most common autosomal recessive genetic disorder.WebMD, 2019
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Hereditary hemochromatosis (he-moe-kroe-muh-TOE-sis) causes your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat. Excess iron is stored in your organs, especially your liver, heart and pancreas. Too much iron can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems and diabetes.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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Hemochromatosis is a disease in which too much iron builds up in the body. This is also called iron overload. Accumulation of iron in the organs is toxic and can cause organ damage. While many organs can be affected, iron overload is especially likely to affect the liver, heart, and pancreas. Early symptoms of hemochromatosis can include...National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
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Hemochromatosis is a multisystem disorder of dysregulated dietary iron absorption and increased iron release from macrophages. Advanced cases may present with life-threatening complications that include cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The mutation associated with hemochromatosis is highly prevalent in white...Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
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Hemochromatosis, inborn metabolic defect characterized by an increased absorption of iron, which accumulates in body tissues. The clinical manifestations include skin pigmentation, diabetes mellitus, enlargement of the spleen and liver, cirrhosis, heart failure, arthritis, and general weakness and...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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