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Abstract #4657

Estimation of Liver Iron Content with Different MRI Methods

Arthur Peter Wunderlich1, Holger Cario2, Mathias Schmid3, Markus Juchems1

1Dept. for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Univ.-Clinic Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Wrttemberg, Germany; 2Pediatrics, Univ.-Clinic Ulm, Ulm, Germany; 3Hematology, Univ.-Clinic Ulm, Ulm, Germany


To compare the liver iron content (LIC) determined by different MR methods, we investigated 93 patients with protocols according to three published methods, two using gradient echo (GRE) sequences and one working with spin echo (SE). The methods correlate moderately with r=0.82. Weakpoints are the bad performance of one GRE method near its upper limit and the sensitivity to liver steatosis of the GRE method addressing high LIC. The latter leads to reduced correlation of SE vs. GRE in the high LIC range. Although GRE generally tends to overestimate LIC, both methods are suitable for decisions concerning patient management.