Final answer:
The statement regarding a rare disease of iron metabolism causing excess iron deposits that may lead to cirrhosis and portal hypertension is true; this refers to haemochromatosis, a hereditary condition that can cause serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Rare disease of iron metabolism characterized by excess iron deposits throughout the body may lead to cirrhosis and portal hypertension' is true. Haemochromatosis is a hereditary disease that leads to an abnormal accumulation of iron in the body, especially in organs like the liver. The excess iron deposition can cause various diseases, including liver cirrhosis, which is a severe scarring of the liver, and portal hypertension, which is increased blood pressure in the portal venous system.
Conditions such as siderosis and nutritional siderosis also involve excessive iron levels in the body, leading to liver damage over time. Chronic liver failure, often a result of cirrhosis, can result from hereditary conditions like haemochromatosis or metabolic disorders that induce iron or copper overload. Therefore, monitoring and managing iron intake and metabolism is crucial in preventing these life-altering complications.