[Acute surgical abdomen in idiopathic haemochromatosis].

The acute abdomen (AA) is a typical but very rare complication of idiopatic haemochromatosis (IH). The possible mechanisms are not sufficiently clarified. We report a case with IH who died with clinical features of (AA) 20 hours after gastroscopy was performed. The histological examination established nonspecific damage of visceral peritoneum and ascites. Fulminant form of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) as a reason of death is discussed, nevertheless endoscopic esophageal varices sclerotherapy was not performed. The role of pulmonary infection and intestinal bacterial overgrowth with possible bacterial translocation in mesenterial lymph nodes, ascitic fluid, and blood is also discussed. The source of infection is usually unknown. The iron is important factor for bacterial growth. The pluriglandular deposition of iron including the suprarenal glands is precondition to development of collapse. The possible pathogenesis of SBP in IH is discussed. It is important to mention that unlike SBP the clinical course of IH AA might appear which does not necessary require surgical management.