Iron-Storage Disorder Presenting as Chronic Diarrhea.
Citation: Cureus. 13(10):e18864, 2021 Oct.PMID: 34804717Institution: MedStar Washington Hospital CenterDepartment: Gastroenterology Fellowship | Hematology and Oncology | Internal Medicine Residency | Medicine/Gastroenterology | MedStar General Surgery ResidencyForm of publication: Journal ArticleMedline article type(s): Case ReportsSubject headings: IN PROCESS -- NOT YET INDEXEDYear: 2021ISSN:- 2168-8184
Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
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Journal Article | MedStar Authors Catalog | Article | 34804717 | Available | 34804717 |
The involvement of the endocrine pancreas leading to bronze diabetes is well studied. However, little is known about the pathophysiology of iron dysregulation involving the exocrine pancreas. We present a unique association between the exocrine pancreas and iron dysregulation. A 45-year-old female presented with chronic diarrhea and low fecal elastase indicative of pancreatic exocrine dysfunction. MRI of the abdomen/pelvis showed iron deposition in the pancreas, suggesting an associated iron-storage disorder without features suggesting chronic pancreatitis. Association of an iron-storage disorder with pancreatic exocrine dysfunction has been reported only in one other case report. Pancreatic exocrine dysfunction can be directly associated with an iron-storage disorder that involves the pancreas. This should be included in the differential and diagnostic work-up of chronic diarrhea of unclear etiology. Based on the literature, we have highlighted the potential pathophysiology relevant to the case. Copyright (c) 2021, Vobugari et al.
English