MRI evaluation of hepatic and cardiac iron burden in pediatric thalassemia major patients: spectrum of findings by T2*

Abstract

Abstract Background Iron deposition distorts the local magnetic field exerting T2* signal decay. Biopsy, serum ferritin, echocardiography are not reliable to adjust iron chelation therapy. Quantified MRI signal decay can replace biopsy to diagnose iron burden, guide treatment, and follow up. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of T2* in quantification of the liver and heart iron burden in thalassemia major patients. This cross-sectional study included 44 thalassemia patients who were referred to MRI unit, underwent T2* MRI. Results Twenty-one male (47.7%) and 23 female (52.3%) were included (age range 6–15 years, mean age 10.9 ± 2.9 years). Patients with excess hepatic iron show the following: 11/40 (27.5%) mild, (13/40) 32.5% moderate, and (14/40) 35% severe liver iron overload. High statistical significance regarding association between LIC and liver T2* (p = 0.000) encountered. Cardiac T2* values showed no relationship with age (p = 0.6). Conclusion T2* is a good method to quantify, monitor hepatic and myocardial iron burden, guiding chelation therapy and prevent iron-induced cardiac complications.