Different patterns of myocardial iron overload by multislice T2* Cardiovascular MR as markers of risk for cardiac dysfunction in thalassemia major
2011

Myocardial Iron Overload and Cardiac Dysfunction in Thalassemia Major

Sample size: 1135 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Meloni Antonella, Pepe Pasquale, Dell'Amico Maria Chiara, Restaino Gennaro, Gianluca Valeri, Midiri Massimo, Keilberg Petra, Ciancio Angela, Boffa Maria Lucia, Positano Vincenzo, Lombardo Massimo, Pepe Alessia

Primary Institution: G. Monasterio Foundation and Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Pisa, Italy

Hypothesis

The study aims to verify the risk of biventricular dysfunction related to different patterns of myocardial iron overload in thalassemia major patients.

Conclusion

Biventricular dysfunction is correlated with the distribution of myocardial iron overload, with higher risks in patients with homogeneous and heterogeneous MIO.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients with homogeneous MIO had a significantly higher risk of LV dysfunction compared to those with no MIO.
  • Odds Ratio for LV dysfunction in patients with homogeneous MIO was 4.8.
  • Patients with heterogeneous MIO and global heart T2*<20 had an Odds Ratio of 1.9 for LV dysfunction.
  • RV dysfunction was also significantly different among the groups with an Odds Ratio of 2.1 for homogeneous MIO.

Takeaway

This study found that patients with more iron in their hearts are more likely to have heart problems, so they might need more treatment.

Methodology

1135 thalassemia major patients underwent CMR to assess myocardial iron overload and biventricular function.

Participant Demographics

1135 patients, 538 male, mean age 30 ± 19 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

3.1-7.3 for LV dysfunction; 1.4-3.2 for RV dysfunction

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1532-429X-13-S1-P309

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication