A 39 year old male was seen by his local physician for fatigue.Previously,the man had engaged in numerous sports activities,and appeared fit and well-tanned.Routine labs revealed an elevated blood sugar and an elevated liver function test.A liver biopsy was obtained,and a representative section (Perls' stain)is shown in the accompanying photomicrograph.Which one of the following is the best diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Perls' stain is the Prussian Blue reaction for iron,so you should always expect the pathologist is looking for iron with this stain.The abundant blue staining indicates increased amounts of iron,or haemochromatosis.The fact that the patient was "well-tanned" and had diabetes is also a hint,as haemochromatosis is often called "bronzed diabetes".

A 39 Year Old Male Was Seen by His Local