Jin Yamamura1, Regine Grosse, Rainer Engelhardt, Joachim Graessner2, Gregory Kurio3, Roland Fischer3, Gritta E. Janka, Gerhard Adam1
1Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology,
University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; 2Siemens
AG; 3Childrens Hospital & Research Center, Oakland, USA
Cardiac iron concentration in patients with iron overload can be determined from multiple gradient recalled echo measurements (MRI-R2*) within one breathhold, although there are technical limitations with respect to echo times and analysis methods. These limitations may be less important for diagnosis than for monitoring cardiac iron overload. In a cross-sectional study, R2* in the heart in those being at risk of developing problems from cardiac iron toxicity, i.e. patients with Thalassemia, were examined with optimized methods. The measurement of MRI-R2* in the ventricular septum can detect patients with iron overload at risk of developing heart failure from cardiac iron toxicity due to chronic blood transfusions. Early detection may induce intensive iron chelation with the benefit of avoiding heart failure.