Abnormal Hepatic Iron Concentration C4022420
Abnormal iron levels in the liver, which can be hereditary or acquired. May require phlebotomy or medication to remove excess iron and prevent organ damage.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- K76.9
- ICD-11
- DA00.0
- Body system
- hepatobiliary
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Abnormal heart rhythms or sensations of a racing, fluttering heartbeat caused by iron deposition in the heart muscle.
Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing chest pain, severe palpitations, or fainting
Signs of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis
Progressive scarring of the liver that can lead to serious complications, including liver failure.
Seek immediate care if experiencing severe abdominal swelling, yellowing of skin/eyes, or confusion
Persistent fatigue and weakness
(constitutional)Generalized tiredness and lack of energy that does not improve with rest, caused by iron deposition affecting cellular metabolism.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Abdominal pain and discomfort
(gastrointestinal)Pain or tenderness in the upper right abdomen, often related to liver enlargement from iron accumulation.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Joint pain and stiffness
(musculoskeletal)Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, particularly in the hands, knees, and hips, due to iron deposition in joint tissues.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Bronze or gray skin discoloration
(dermatologic)Grayish or bronze coloration of the skin, particularly in areas exposed to sun, caused by iron deposition in skin layers.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Elevated liver enzymes
(hepatobiliary)Abnormal blood test results indicating liver inflammation or damage, often the first laboratory sign of iron overload.
Frequency: 80-90% of patients
Early-onset diabetes mellitus
(endocrine)Development of type 2 diabetes at a younger age than typical, caused by iron damaging the pancreas.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Memory difficulties and brain fog
(neurologic)Problems with concentration, memory, and mental clarity that may be related to iron's effects on brain function.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Reduced libido and sexual dysfunction
(reproductive)Decreased interest in sex and erectile dysfunction in men, caused by iron affecting hormone-producing glands.
Frequency: 10-20% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Behavioral and nutritional therapy
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Therapeutic phlebotomy
Regular blood removal to deplete excess iron stores, targeting ferritin levels within normal range. Typically performed weekly initially, then monthly for maintenance.
Iron-restricted diet
Avoidance of iron-rich foods including red meat, organ meats, and iron-fortified products. Limiting vitamin C supplements that enhance iron absorption.
Additional treatment options
Iron chelation therapy
Chelating agents for patients unable to undergo phlebotomy. Binds excess iron for urinary excretion. Used when phlebotomy is contraindicated.
medicationFerritin and iron studies monitoring
Regular blood tests measuring serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and iron levels to guide treatment intensity and assess therapeutic response.
monitoringPolyphenol-rich foods and beverages
Consumption of green tea, coffee, and polyphenol-rich foods that can modestly inhibit iron absorption as adjunct to dietary restriction.
complementaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Hepatic Iron Concentration C4022420?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Bacon BR, Adams PC, Kowdley KV, et al. Diagnosis and management of hemochromatosis: 2011 practice guideline by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology. 2011;54(3):811-840.
European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL clinical practice guidelines for HFE hemochromatosis. J Hepatol. 2010;53(1):3-22.
Kowdley KV, Brown KE, Ahn J, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Hereditary Hemochromatosis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(8):1202-1218.
Fleming RE, Ponka P. Iron overload in human disease. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(4):348-359.
Hernandez GE, Iruzubieta P, Espino G, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive liver fibrosis tests for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: A meta-analysis. Hepatology. 2023;77(6):1960-1972.
Phatak P, Brissot P, Wurster M, et al. A phase 1/2 dose-escalation trial of deferasirox for the treatment of iron overload in HFE-related hereditary hemochromatosis. Hepatology. 2010;52(5):1671-1679.
Adams PC, Barton JC. A diagnostic approach to hyperferritinemia with normal transferrin saturation. J Hepatol. 2011;55(2):453-458.
S照D, Britton R, Ramm GA, et al. Consensus statement: Management of iron overload disorders in the Asia-Pacific region. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;35(8):1204-1215.
Sherlock S, Dooley J. Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System. 14th ed. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell; 2022:256-289.
Brissot P, Loréal O. Iron metabolism and its disorders. In: Said HM, ed. Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract. 6th ed. Academic Press; 2018:645-671.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Hepatic Iron Concentration C4022420. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy