MRI

Background and utility

The accumulation of iron in tissues causes local distortion in the magnetic fields because of the paramagnetic properties of the iron. MRI images the magnetic effects of iron indirectly, through its influence on neighboring water protons. This results in shortening of the longitudinal relaxation time (T1), the transverse relaxation time (T2), and particularly the transverse relaxation time as affected by magnetic field inhomogeneity (T2*). With MRI it is possible  to estimate the hepatic iron concentration in a noninvasive way. For the myocardial iron deposition, the T2* is the most significant variable for predicting a requirement for targeted treatment of myocardial iron overload. When T2* is less than 20 msec, this indicates a risk of cardiomyopathy, that often requires a more aggressive therapy.

 

Technique(s)

We offer magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a non-invasive modality for tissue iron quantification, to determine the severity of iron overload and in special cases for monitoring therapy.

 

Responsible laboratory

Oxidative stress measurements are coordinated and performed by  the Department of Radiology of Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

 

More information

Information on MRI for tissue iron quantification can be requested from Dr. Miranda Snoeren.