Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What does the presence of iron in hepatocytes and macrophages indicate?

1. Hemochromatosis

2. Hemosiderosis

3. Iron deficiency anemia

4. Polycythemia vera

The correct answer is: Hemochromatosis

The presence of iron in hepatocytes and macrophages primarily indicates hemochromatosis, a genetic condition leading to excessive iron accumulation in the body. This accumulation occurs due to increased intestinal absorption of iron that exceeds the body's requirements. The excess iron gets deposited in various organs, with the liver being particularly affected, resulting in damage and potentially leading to complications such as cirrhosis, diabetes, and heart disease. In this condition, hepatocytes, the liver cells, are examined, and when stained with specific dyes, they reveal the excess iron deposits, which can be further evaluated with a biopsy. The role of macrophages is critical as they can store excess iron in the form of hemosiderin, which is an insoluble form and serves as a means of handling iron within the body tissues. This iron deposition pattern is characteristic of hemochromatosis and signifies the body's inability to regulate iron levels properly. The other options represent different conditions that have distinct pathological mechanisms and implications. For example, hemosiderosis involves excess iron deposition similar to hemochromatosis but is typically secondary to other causes like frequent blood transfusions, rather than a primary genetic disorder. Iron deficiency anemia indicates a lack of iron rather than an excess, while polycy