Differential Diagnosis for Low Iron Saturation
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anemia of Chronic Disease: This condition is characterized by low iron saturation, normal serum iron, and normal or elevated ferritin levels. The body's inflammatory response leads to increased hepcidin production, which reduces iron absorption and increases iron sequestration, resulting in low iron saturation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Chronic Inflammation: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic infections, or other inflammatory diseases can lead to low iron saturation due to increased hepcidin production and subsequent reduction in iron availability.
- Malabsorption: Celiac disease, gastric bypass surgery, or other conditions that impair iron absorption can result in low iron saturation, despite normal serum iron and ferritin levels.
- Hemoglobinopathies: Certain hemoglobinopathies, such as thalassemia, can lead to low iron saturation due to impaired hemoglobin production and increased iron sequestration.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hemochromatosis: Although rare, hemochromatosis can present with low iron saturation, normal serum iron, and elevated ferritin levels. Missing this diagnosis can lead to severe iron overload and organ damage.
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: This rare genetic disorder can cause low iron saturation, and missing it can lead to severe skin and liver damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Atransferrinemia: A rare genetic disorder characterized by the absence of transferrin, leading to low iron saturation and impaired iron transport.
- Iron Refractory Iron Deficiency Anemia (IRIDA): A rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TMPRSS6 gene, leading to impaired iron absorption and low iron saturation.
- Hypoplastic Anemia: A rare condition characterized by impaired bone marrow function, leading to low iron saturation and anemia.