Was Beethovens cirrhosis due to hemochromatosis?
Davies PJ Dr. Wagner’s description of an advanced macronodular cirrhosis is compatible with end-stage liver disease due to a variety of causes. An alcoholic etiology seems more probable than chronic viral hepatitis since such a diagnosis might also account for the chronic pancreatitis, unless it was related to the cholelithiasis. However, Dr. Wagner’s description favors a diagnosis of biliary pigment sludge related to hemolysis. Furthermore, the controversy over the extent of Beethoven’s alcohol consumption and the absence of mention of pancreatic calcification weakens the case for an alcoholic etiology. On the other hand, Dr. Wagner’s emphasis of bluish-green pigmentation of the liver, blackish pigmentation of the spleen, and an arteropathy of the hepatic vessels suggests the probability of hemochromatosis, which diagnosis is also in keeping with Beethoven’s medical history. In this regard the composer’s history of recurrent obscure abdominal pain, commencing in his third decade, is e
