[Hereditary hemochromatosis. Case report and review of the literature].
BACKGROUND
HFE-associated hemochromatosis is one of the most common inherited liver disease in Caucasian populations and refers to the association of increased iron stores with tissue damage (e.g., cirrhosis, diabetes, cardiomyopathy), which is progressive when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.


OBJECTIVE
Description of a case of hereditary hemochromatosis in an asymptomatic 44-years-old patient, whose diagnosis was made through casual identification of abnormal iron markers. We will also present a brief review of the literature about the topic.


CONCLUSIONS
Hereditary hemochromatosis is an ideal disease for primary prevention since the disease can be detected well before serious complications develop. This intervention has been shown to prevent the manifestations of the disease, altering its natural history.
de Souza
A F
AF
Serviço de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Universitário, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF). meirelle@rural.com.br
Carvalho-Filho
R J
RJ
Chebli
J F
JF
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis
Hemocromatose hereditária. Relato de caso e revisão da literatura.