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European Radiology

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01-11-2012 | Gastrointestinal

Evaluation of MR imaging with T1 and T2* mapping for the determination of hepatic iron overload

Authors: B. Henninger, C. Kremser, S. Rauch, R. Eder, H. Zoller, A. Finkenstedt, H. J. Michaely, M. Schocke

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 11/2012

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate MRI using T1 and T2* mapping sequences in patients with suspected hepatic iron overload (HIO).

Methods

Twenty-five consecutive patients with clinically suspected HIO were retrospectively studied. All underwent MRI and liver biopsy. For the quantification of liver T2* values we used a fat-saturated multi-echo gradient echo sequence with 12 echoes (TR = 200 ms, TE = 0.99 ms + n × 1.41 ms, flip angle 20°). T1 values were obtained using a fast T1 mapping sequence based on an inversion recovery snapshot FLASH sequence. Parameter maps were analysed using regions of interest.

Results

ROC analysis calculated cut-off points at 10.07 ms and 15.47 ms for T2* in the determination of HIO with accuracy 88 %/88 %, sensitivity 84 %/89.5 % and specificity 100 %/83 %. MRI correctly classified 20 patients (80 %). All patients with HIO only had decreased T1 and T2* relaxation times. There was a significant difference in T1 between patients with HIO only and patients with HIO and steatohepatitis (P = 0.018).

Conclusions

MRI-based T2* relaxation diagnoses HIO very accurately, even at low iron concentrations. Important additional information may be obtained by the combination of T1 and T2* mapping. It is a rapid, non-invasive, accurate and reproducible technique for validating the evidence of even low hepatic iron concentrations.

Key Points

• Hepatic iron overload causes fibrosis, cirrhosis and increases hepatocellular carcinoma risk.

• MRI detects iron because of the field heterogeneity generated by haemosiderin.

• T2* relaxation is very accurate in diagnosing hepatic iron overload.

• Additional information may be obtained by T1 and T2* mapping.

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Title: Evaluation of MR imaging with T1 and T2* mapping for the determination of hepatic iron overload
Authors: B. Henninger
C. Kremser
S. Rauch
R. Eder
H. Zoller
A. Finkenstedt
H. J. Michaely
M. Schocke
Publication date: 01-11-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 11/2012
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2506-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Evaluation of MR imaging with T1 and T2* mapping for the determination of hepatic iron overload

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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