T2-Weighted Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Echocardiographic Arterial Elasticity Criteria for Monitoring Cardiac Siderosis in Patients With Beta-Thalassemia Major Publisher

Summary: Study found that cardiac assessment via MRI correlates with arterial health in beta-thalassemia patients. Could this be a game-changer in monitoring heart issues? #Thalassemia #CardiacHealth

Zavar R¹ ; Hendimarjan M¹ ; Behjati M¹ ; Yazdani D¹
Source: Journal of Research in Medical Sciences Published:2022

Abstract

Background: Despite the availability of iron chelators, toxicity due to increased iron load is the leading cause of death in thalassemia major patients, especially in Iran. This study was performed to determine the association between cardiovascular magnetic resonance using T2-weighted sequences (CMR T2∗) and diagnostic value of echocardiographic arterial elasticity in major beta-thalassemia patients without cardiac symptoms in Isfahan, Iran, in 2019 and 2021. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the association between CMR T2∗, advanced echocardiographic arterial elasticity criteria, and serum ferritin in 67 patients with major beta-thalassemia patients without cardiac symptoms at Chamran Cardiovascular, Medical, and Research Center in Isfahan, Iran, in 2019-2021. Data analysis was performed among the 67 patients using SPSS, version 24.0 (Statistical Procedures for Social Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Spearman's rank test was used to assess the correlation between T2∗CMR, echocardiographic arterial elasticity criteria, and ferritin. All parameters are presented as mean ± standard deviation. The results were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. Results: There was a positive correlation between CMR T2∗ and arterial elastance index (P = 0.035, r = 0.258), according to the Spearman test. In addition, CMR T2∗ was not correlated with the serum ferritin (P = 0.158, r = 0.201). Conclusion: Totally, according to the obtained results, it may be concluded that the arterial elastance index from echocardiography and the CMR T2∗ may be indicators of myocardial iron overload in patients with major beta-thalassemia patients without cardiac symptoms. © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.