Iron-induced mucosal injury to the upper gastrointestinal tract

To define the causes and associations of mucosal iron deposition in upper gastrointestinal biopsy specimens and to describe the morphological features of iron-related injury.

The histological pattern, intensity and distribution of iron in biopsies obtained from 1991 to 2005 were recorded and correlated with endoscopic and clinical findings.

Twenty-five biopsies (16 gastric, four duodenal, five oesophageal) were accrued. Iron deposition was seen in two groups: 10 cases showed erosive injury, with brown-black crystalline material overlying eroded epithelium. These patients were taking oral iron tablets. The remaining 15 cases showed variable iron deposition in the surface epithelium, lamina propria and glands. In nine patients, there was a history of oral iron intake and at least eight had had blood transfusions. The most intense iron deposition was noted in patients with end-stage liver disease. The mean age of patients with erosive injury was 43% higher than in the iron overload group (76 versus 53 years). Iron stains were also performed on 15 normal gastric biopsies and five biopsies with chronic, non-specific gastritis; all were negative for haemosiderin deposition.

Iron-related erosive injury is related to oral iron pill ingestion and occurs in older patients. Mucosal iron deposition is also associated with iron overload disorders.