Degenerative Arthritis Associated with Hemochromatosis

 

Features of the degenerative arthritis of hemochromatosis:

(1) onset of arthropathy at a relatively early age (<= 50 years of age)

(2) atypical joint involvement, including the metacarpophalangeal joints

(3) absence of markers for other causes of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune disorders, gout, pseudogout)

(4) chondrocalcinosis and hemosiderin deposits in synovium

 

Joints affected may include:

(1) metacarpophalangeal

(2) wrist

(3) hips

(4) knees

(5) ankles

(6) feet

(7) shoulders

 

A patient with suspected hemochromatosis should have screening tests performed:

(1) fasting serum transferrin saturation

(2) serum ferritin concentration

 

A patient with sufficient evidence should have testing for genetic mutations.