Which condition involves tissue damage due to iron overload?

Which condition involves tissue damage due to iron overload?

• A. Hemochromatosis
• B. Hemosiderosis
• C. Anemia
• D. Thalassemia

Answer: (A)

Iron overload causing tissue damage points to hemochromatosis. In this hereditary condition, excessive iron absorption leads to iron deposition in organs such as the liver, pancreas, and heart, producing fibrosis and functional injury (cirrhosis, diabetes, cardiomyopathy). Hemosiderosis, by contrast, means iron deposition without significant organ damage. Anemia and thalassemia are blood disorders; while thalassemia can lead to iron overload from transfusions, the disease itself isn’t defined by tissue damage from iron overload. So the best answer is hemochromatosis.

Iron overload causing tissue damage points to hemochromatosis. In this hereditary condition, excessive iron absorption leads to iron deposition in organs such as the liver, pancreas, and heart, producing fibrosis and functional injury (cirrhosis, diabetes, cardiomyopathy). Hemosiderosis, by contrast, means iron deposition without significant organ damage. Anemia and thalassemia are blood disorders; while thalassemia can lead to iron overload from transfusions, the disease itself isn’t defined by tissue damage from iron overload. So the best answer is hemochromatosis.