Arthritis in hemochromatosis

We reviewed the clinical and radiographic features of arthropathy in 25 subjects with hemochromatosis, 16 probands and 9 discovered homozygous relatives. Clinical arthritis was present in 15/16 probands and 1/9 discovered homozygotes (p < 0.005). Radiologic evidence of arthropathy was seen additionally in 2 asymptomatic discovered homozygotes. The metacarpophalangeal joints and wrists were most commonly involved; severe hip disease occurred in 6. Patients with clinical or radiologic arthropathy were older than patients without. Arthropathy occurred in all 4 female probands, but in none of the 3 female discovered homozygotes. Chondrocalcinosis was seen in 9 subjects but was usually asymptomatic. The arthritis of hemochromatosis may be difficult to differentiate from several other joint diseases, especially calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease.