Coexistent Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Hereditary Hemochromatosis

S D Med. 2018 Mar;71(3):126-128.

Abstract

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency and hereditary hemochromatosis are systemic diseases inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. The primary manifestation of AAT is early-onset pulmonary disease, while hemochromatosis primarily affects function of the liver, heart, and pancreas through excess iron deposition. No clear association between the two diseases has been delineated. We present a case in which a 34-year old female patient presenting with elevated liver enzymes during a visit for an unrelated acute illness was found to be a homozygous variant for AAT deficiency and hereditary hemochromatosis. A description of her presentation and clinical work up is included, along with a discussion of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of each disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hemochromatosis / complications*
  • Humans
  • Iron Overload / complications
  • Liver / enzymology
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency / complications*