Histologic features of the liver in insulin resistance-associated iron overload - A study of 139 patients

The aim of the present study, was to describe histologic features of the li ver in insulin resistance-associated hepatic iron overload (IR-HIO), define d as the association of metabolic disorders and hepatic iron overload. We i ncluded 139 patients in the study on the basis of one or more metabolic dis orders and liver iron overload unrelated to usual causes. Liver biopsy spec imens were reviewed, and histologic data were compared with those of a prev iously published, well-defined population with genetic hemochromatosis. Iron overload was characterized by a mixed pattern with iron deposits in he patocytes and sinusoidal cells. Steatosis was present in 59.7% of patients with inflammation in 32.4% of cases. Periportal fibrosis was found in 67.4% of patients. These patients were older, had higher sinusoidal iron scores, and had a higher prevalence of steatosis and inflammation than patients wi thout fibrosis. Iron overload in IR-HIO was histologically different from t hat in genetic hemochromatosis.