T2* MRI Correlates with R2 Liver Iron Concentration in Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia

Abstract

Research ArticleOpen Access Regular transfusion in thalassaemia major results in progressive iron overload and its complications. Chelation therapy can prevent these complications and has been pivotal in the improved survival of these patients. With inadequate chelation, cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy are the predominant causes of death, while endocrinopathies and cirrhosis contribute to both morbidity and mortality [1][2][3]. Each chelating agent has potential risks and benefits. The accurate assessment of iron overload is therefore critical in guiding the appropriate choice of therapy and in managing adherence. AbstractRelaxometry based Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques have increasingly been adopted as a means of non invasive measurement of tissue iron concentration in patients with transfusion dependent thalassaemia. Currently, different MRI techniques are utilised to assess cardiac and hepatic iron concentrations, which correlate poorly. In an attempt to simplify the assessment of tissue iron concentration, we prospectively compared T2* MRI with R2 (FerriScan®) derived liver iron concentration. A strong correlation exists between these two modalities, particularly at lower iron burdens. These findings would enable the concurrent assessment of cardiac and liver iron concentration thus streamlining total body iron assessment. Method: 34 patients with β-thalassemia major underwent MRI assessment. R2 and T2* images were generated concurrently and R2 LIC calculated. Data was analysed with SAS/STAT 9. Conclusion:These results indicate there is a strong correlation between T2* MRI and R2 generated LIC. These findings have the potential to streamline iron assessment by facilitating the concurrent assessment of cardiac and liver iron concentration.

MRI Evaluation of Hepatic Iron Overload in b-Thalassemic Children

“…Our study showed highly negative significant correlation between R2* and T2* this is in agreement with Kidson-Gerber et al, [28] reported that a linear relationship between T2* and R2* with a correlation coefficient ( r) of 0.946, p<0.001.…”