Differential Diagnosis for High Ferritin
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hemochromatosis: This is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive iron accumulation in the body, leading to elevated ferritin levels. It's a common cause of high ferritin, especially in individuals of Northern European descent.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Inflammation or Infection: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic infections, or other inflammatory diseases can cause an increase in ferritin levels due to the body's acute phase response.
- Obesity: Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation, which can lead to elevated ferritin levels.
- Alcohol Abuse: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to increased ferritin levels due to liver damage and inflammation.
- Metabolic Syndrome: This condition, characterized by insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, is often associated with elevated ferritin levels.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): A rare but life-threatening condition characterized by excessive immune activation, leading to very high ferritin levels. Missing this diagnosis can be fatal.
- Malignancy: Certain cancers, such as lymphoma or leukemia, can cause elevated ferritin levels. Early detection is crucial for treatment and prognosis.
- Sepsis: In severe infections, ferritin can be markedly elevated. Prompt recognition and treatment of sepsis are critical to prevent high mortality.
Rare Diagnoses
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: A rare genetic disorder that affects the production of heme, leading to iron accumulation and elevated ferritin levels.
- Aceruloplasminemia: A rare genetic disorder characterized by the absence of ceruloplasmin, leading to iron accumulation in the brain and other tissues, and elevated ferritin levels.
- Congenital Atransferrinemia: A rare genetic disorder that affects the production of transferrin, a protein that binds iron, leading to elevated ferritin levels and iron overload.