Deranged Liver Function Tests Associated With Hyperferritinemia in a Patient With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Study and Literature Review

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), potentially progressing to more severe conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This case study presents a 55-year-old man with long-standing T2DM who was found to have deranged liver function tests, elevated serum iron, and hyperferritinemia during a routine follow-up visit. The patient's clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and imaging results led to a diagnosis of MASH, complicated by dysregulated iron metabolism. This case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring of liver function and iron studies in T2DM patients. Furthermore, it illustrates the challenges in managing the complex interplay between metabolic syndrome, liver dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk.