Hemochromatosis

[BlackAces]

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Dude walks into your office, you suspect hemochromatosis and do the Fe serum tests. What is the next step?

a) MRI and genetic testing

or

b) liver biopsy

Kaplan Qbook - liver biopsy, MTB 2 - MRI and genetic testing; Harrion's: genetic testing and if positive and Fe > 1000, do a biopsy to evaluate for cirrhosis & go help yourself.

 

[MedSchoolPhenom]

Liver Bx.

 

[digitlnoize]

Dude walks into your office, you suspect hemochromatosis and do the Fe serum tests. What is the next step?

a) MRI and genetic testing

or

b) liver biopsy

Kaplan Qbook - liver biopsy, MTB 2 - MRI and genetic testing; Harrion's: genetic testing and if positive and Fe > 1000, do a biopsy to evaluate for cirrhosis & go help yourself.

I think liver bx is the answer for the test. In real life, you'd probably go for the less invasive genetic test, as long as you can get insurance coverage, or the pt is ok with paying out of pocket. If not, then the bx...but if it were me, I'd find a way to pay for the genetic test, 'cause ain't NObody stabbing me in the liver with no needle. No way. Ow.

 

[Biophilic]

Depends on the patient's age and LFTs. In real life you would definitely start with iron studies and genetic test. You may not even need to do a liver biopsy. You would do a liver biopsy only if it changes your management.