[Arthropathy in idiopathic hemochromatosis]

Idiopathic hemochromatosis is normally associated with hepatic cirrhosis, myocardial disease and diabetes mellitus. A characteristic arthropathy occurs in approximately 40% of patients with hemochromatosis. The onset may precede other detectable clinical manifestations of the disease. In these cases a early diagnosis and treatment may improve the prognosis. A review of the recent literature is presented. A typical hemochromatosis arthropathy is described in one patient. The significance of a frequent associated chondrocalcinosis is discussed.