Which organs are typically affected by iron overload due to chronic transfusion?

• A. Liver, heart, and endocrine organs
• B. Lungs and brain
• C. Kidneys and skin
• D. Spleen and lymph nodes

Answer: (A)

Iron overload from chronic transfusion accumulates where iron is stored and processed, and the pattern you see most often involves the liver, heart, and endocrine organs. The body has no good way to excrete excess iron, so with repeated transfusions iron builds up in tissues. The liver is the primary storage site, leading to hepatomegaly and potential fibrosis or cirrhosis. Iron deposition in the heart can cause cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Endocrine glands are affected too, particularly the pancreas, pituitary, and thyroid, resulting in diabetes, hypogonadism, and other hormonal issues. This combination—liver, heart, and endocrine organs—is the typical pattern of iron overload from long-term transfusion. Other organs like the lungs, brain, kidneys, skin, or spleen are less characteristically involved in this scenario.