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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
08:45
Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes
Published on: May 10, 2022
[Iron deficiency: not always blood losses]
C Alonso Cotoner1, F Casellas Jordá, M L Chicharro Serrano
1Servei de Digestiu. Department d'Anatomia Patològica. Hospital Universitari Vall d' Hebrón. Barcelona, Spain.
Anales De Medicina Interna (Madrid, Spain : 1984)
|July 2, 2003
Summary
Jejunal biopsy is a valuable tool for diagnosing iron deficiency caused by intestinal malabsorption. This procedure can identify various intestinal abnormalities, aiding in accurate diagnosis when other causes are ruled out.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Diagnostic Pathology
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a common clinical finding.
- Intestinal malabsorption can present solely as iron deficiency.
- Intestinal villous atrophy is a key indicator of malabsorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the diagnostic utility of jejunal biopsy in evaluating iron deficiency.
- To identify various diseases causing malabsorptive iron deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Seventy patients with iron deficiency (ferritin < 25 ng/ml) underwent jejunal biopsy.
- Biopsies were obtained distal to the Ligament of Treitz using a Watson capsule.
- Histological changes were classified using the Marsh criteria.
Main Results:
- Jejunal biopsy was successfully performed in 66 patients.
- Histological findings included normal (25), unspecific (1), inflammatory infiltrate (12), hyperplasia (2), and atrophy (25).
- Diagnoses included celiac sprue (32%), achlorhydria (10.5%), bacterial overgrowth (1.5%), giardiasis (1.5%), and menstrual blood loss (1.5%), with 53% remaining undiagnosed.
Conclusions:
- Jejunal biopsy is effective in evaluating iron deficiency related to intestinal malabsorption.
- The procedure reveals significant intestinal abnormalities in a notable proportion of patients.
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