Trace Metal Patterns in Disease States. III. Hepatic and Pancreatic Cirrhosis in Alcoholic Patients, with and Without Storage of Iron

Abstract

Trace metal studies are presented of 93 cases of hepatic and pancreatic cirrhosis as a result of alcoholism. The studies are based on results obtained from a 1.5 meter grating spectrometer equipped with photomultiplier tubes for measuring spectum line intensities. Clinical, pathological and metal data are presented in relation to an arbitrary grouping of cases based on the quantity of hepatic Fe Hepatic Pb and Ca values are noted to be increased in excessive iron storage, while Al levels are decreased. Zn is reduced in all organs of the alcoholic and may return to normal levels in the presence of excessive Fe storage. Hepatic Cu values are moderately elevated in cirrhotic states regardless of Fe levels. Attention is directed to the similarity of pancreatic and hepatic lesions, the increased incidence of cancer, and the resemblance of alcoholic hemosiderosis to idiopathic hemochromatosis.