Secondary Iron Overload : Beta thalassemia

Secondary iron overload disorders are acquired conditions in which increased hepatic iron is due to exogenous sources, abnormal erythrocyte destruction, or changes in iron absorption/distribution related to underlying liver disease. Hemolysis, transfusions, and hemodialysis are common causes. In secondary hemochromatosis, iron deposition begins in Kupffer cells and later spreads to hepatocytes. This high magnification image shows dark brown clumps of iron deposition within hepatocytes and Kupffer cells.