Diagnostic value of bone marrow iron deposits in idiopathic hemochromatosis

The stainable iron content of the bone marrow of four patients with documented idiopathic hemochromatosis were reviewed. There was a moderate increase in hemosiderin deposits in each case, but the striking difference in the morphologic appearance of these deposits was more important. These consisted of small, uniform, closely packed granules that may be readily distinguished from the bone marrow iron found in normal persons and in persons with other disorders. This should serve as an additional simple diagnostic aid in patients with idiopathic hemochromatosis.