What is a common complication of untreated hereditary hemochromatosis?

In untreated hereditary hemochromatosis, one of the most common and serious complications is indeed liver cirrhosis. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that results in excessive absorption of dietary iron, leading to iron overload in various organs. Over time, the accumulation of iron in the liver can cause significant damage, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of liver tissue, which impairs liver function and can lead to liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other complications.

While cardiomyopathy is another potential complication related to iron overload in hereditary hemochromatosis, it is less prevalent than liver cirrhosis, which often manifests as the most serious consequence of untreated disease. The liver is a primary site of iron storage, and its damage tends to occur early in the disease process, making cirrhosis a more common eventuality in individuals with untreated hereditary hemochromatosis.