Hemochromatosis is a multisystem disorder produced by the excessive ac
cumulation of iron in visceral organs and the musculoskeletal system.
Clinically the disease may be silent, but characteristic radiological
features may point to the diagnosis. The increased iron stores in the
organs involved, especially in the liver and pancreas, result in an in
creased attenuation at unenhanced CT and an decreased signal intensity
at MR imaging. Hemochromatosis arthropathy includes degenerative oste
oarthritis and chondrocalcinosis. The distribution of the arthropathy
is distinctive, but not unique, frequently affecting the second and th
ird metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand.