A CASE OF HÆMOCHROMATOSIS.—THE RELATION OF HÆMOCHROMATOSIS TO BRONZED DIABETES

Abstract

(1) There exists a distinct morbid entity, hæmochromatosis, characterized by the widespread deposition of an iron-containing pigment in certain cells and an associated formation of iron-free pigments in a variety of localities in which pigment is found in moderate amount under physiological conditions. (2) With the pigment accumulation there is degeneration and death of the containing cells and consequent interstitial inflammation, notably of the liver and pancreas, which become the seat of inflammatory changes accompanied by hypertrophy of the organ. (3) When chronic interstitial pancreatitis has reached a certain grade of intensity diabetes ensues and is the terminal event in the disease.