Differential Diagnosis for High Ferritin
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Iron overload (Hemochromatosis): This is a condition where the body absorbs too much iron from food, leading to a buildup of iron in the body. High ferritin levels are a hallmark of this condition, as ferritin is a protein that stores iron.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Hemosiderosis: This condition involves the accumulation of hemosiderin, a protein that stores iron, in tissues. It can be caused by multiple blood transfusions, chronic hemolysis, or other conditions.
- Chronic inflammation: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic infections, or other inflammatory diseases can cause an increase in ferritin levels due to the body's inflammatory response.
- Liver disease: Certain liver conditions, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, can lead to elevated ferritin levels.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): This is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by an overactive immune response, which can cause high ferritin levels. Missing this diagnosis can be fatal.
- Sepsis: In severe sepsis, ferritin levels can be elevated due to the body's inflammatory response. Early recognition and treatment of sepsis are crucial to prevent mortality.
- Rare diagnoses
- Porphyria cutanea tarda: This is a rare genetic disorder that affects the production of heme, leading to an accumulation of iron in the body and elevated ferritin levels.
- Erythroleukemia: A type of blood cancer that can cause an increase in ferritin levels due to the abnormal production of red blood cells.
- Gaucher's disease: A rare genetic disorder that affects the breakdown of fatty substances in the body, leading to an accumulation of iron and elevated ferritin levels.