[Diagnostic significance of quantitative iron determination in gastric mucosa in iron overload]

The iron content of liver and gastric mucosa was quantitatively examined by means of atomic absorption spectrometry in 36 patients with iron overload (22 with idiopathic haemochromatosis, 14 with therapy-resistant anaemia) and in 17 subjects without anomaly of iron metabolism. Diagnostically evaluable iron deposits in gastric mucosa were only found in severe iron overload. In this case it was correlated with the hepatic iron content, and was indicative of iron-related disturbances also in other organs. The quantitative iron determination represents a diagnostic enlargement. It is indicated, if simple noninvasive methods are failing, and it should never be omitted in suspected iron overload, whenever other reasons as well are demanding gastroscopy.