Iron overload in hereditary hemochromatosis

There is diffuse deposition of coarse iron granules (++++) involving the hepatic parenchyma, the reticuloendothelial system (Kupffer cells and portal macrophages), and endothelial cells. The typical decreasing gradient from periportal to centrilobular zones initially seen in this disease is not apparent due to the panlobular involvement by iron in this case. (Perls' Prussian blue stain, original magnification ×400.)