Hemochromatosis − A Case Report −

From the Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University and Armed Forces Tso-Ying Hospital Accepted for publication: August 23, 2004 Reprint requests: Gwo-Shing Chen, M.D., Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University. No.100, Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C. TEL: 886-7-3208214 FAX: 886-7-3216580 Hemochromatosis is a disorder of chronic iron overload associated with tissue injury resulting from iron deposition. Typical findings include cirrhosis of liver, a bronze-brown pigmentation of the skin, diabetes mellitus, and cardiomyopathy. We describe a 46-year-old female patient presented with generalized bronze-brown pigmented skin with prominence over sun-exposed area for about 10 years. Diabetes mellitus and chronic hepatitis C history were traced, and she denied blood transfusion, medical or dietary iron ingestion. Increased serum iron and ferritin level accompanied with elevated transferrin saturation and hepatomegaly were investigated. The histopathologic study of skin showed hyperpigmentation in the basal layer of the epidermis. Iron stain revealed blue-staining granules mainly around blood vessels. More diffuse deposits of hemosiderin of liver tissue were also found. Lightening skin pigmentation was found after treatment with phlebotomy, chelating agent and regular insulin injection for 16 months. We herein present this case and review the literature.(Dermatol Sinica 22 : 333-337, 2004)