Differential Diagnosis for Elevated Ferritin without Iron Overload
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Inflammation: Elevated ferritin is a common finding in various inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, due to its role as an acute-phase reactant. This is the most likely cause of elevated ferritin in the absence of iron overload.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Liver disease: Ferritin can be elevated in liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, due to the liver's role in storing and regulating iron.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and leukemia, can cause elevated ferritin levels.
- Chronic diseases: Conditions like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity can also lead to elevated ferritin levels.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): A rare but life-threatening condition characterized by excessive immune activation, which can cause very high ferritin levels.
- Sepsis: In severe infections, ferritin can be elevated as part of the acute-phase response, and missing this diagnosis can be fatal.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hyperthyroidism: In some cases, hyperthyroidism can cause elevated ferritin levels, although this is a rare finding.
- Gaucher's disease: A genetic disorder that affects the breakdown of fatty substances, which can lead to elevated ferritin levels.
- Porphyrias: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause elevated ferritin levels due to the accumulation of porphyrins.