What condition may be suspected with increased serum iron or ferritin levels?

Increased serum iron or ferritin levels may indicate hemochromatosis. This condition is characterized by excessive accumulation of iron in the body, which can lead to various complications, including liver disease, diabetes, and heart problems. The body has no active mechanism to excrete excess iron; therefore, individuals with hemochromatosis absorb more iron from their diet, resulting in elevated serum iron levels and ferritin, which reflects the stored iron in the body.

In contrast, iron deficiency anemia, which typically presents with low serum iron and ferritin levels, is caused by insufficient iron for hemoglobin production. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue and does not relate to iron levels. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, primarily a type of blood cancer, may alter blood counts and iron levels, but an increase in serum iron and ferritin is not characteristic of this disease. Therefore, a diagnosis of hemochromatosis is supported by the hallmark of increased iron and ferritin levels.