Iron-Storage Disorder Presenting as Chronic Diarrhea

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Hematology

Background:

• The endocrine pancreas and bronze diabetes are well-researched.
• The pathophysiology of iron dysregulation in the exocrine pancreas remains largely unknown.

Observation:

• A case of a 45-year-old female with chronic diarrhea and low fecal elastase was observed.
• Abdominal MRI revealed pancreatic iron deposition, indicating an iron-storage disorder without signs of chronic pancreatitis.

Findings:

• A unique association between pancreatic exocrine dysfunction and iron dysregulation was identified.
• This condition has only been documented in one previous case report.

Implications:

• Pancreatic exocrine dysfunction can be a direct consequence of pancreatic iron-storage disorders.
• This association should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea with unclear etiology.