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Musallam KM, Sheth S, Cappellini MD, Forni GL, Maggio A, Taher AT. Anemia and iron overload as prognostic markers of outcomes in β-thalassemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2024; 17:631-642. [PMID: 39037857 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2024.2383420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ineffective erythropoiesis and subsequent anemia as well as primary and secondary (transfusional) iron overload are key drivers for morbidity and mortality outcomes in patients with β-thalassemia. AREAS COVERED In this review, we highlight evidence from observational studies evaluating the association between measures of anemia and iron overload versus outcomes in both non-transfusion-dependent and transfusion-dependent forms of β-thalassemia. EXPERT OPINION Several prognostic thresholds have been identified with implications for patient management. These have also formed the basis for the design of novel therapy clinical trials by informing eligibility and target endpoints. Still, several data gaps persist in view of the challenge of assessing prospective long-term outcomes in a chronic disease. Pooling insights on the prognostic value of different measures of disease mechanism will be key to design future scoring systems that can help optimize patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sujit Sheth
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Aurelio Maggio
- Campus of Haematology Franco and Piera Cutino, AOOR Villa Sofia-V. Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Lan X, Ye Z, Du J, Liu L, Tian C, Huang L, Mo X. Cross-sectional study on the impact of cardiac and hepatic iron overload, as measured by MRI T2*, on the quality of life in children with severe beta-thalassemia major. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38817. [PMID: 38968493 PMCID: PMC11224881 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study to explore the correlation between cardiac and hepatic iron overload and its impact on the quality of life in children diagnosed with severe beta-thalassemia major (β-TM). A cohort of 55 pediatric patients with β-TM, diagnosed via genetic testing at the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from January 2015 to January 2022, was included in this study. The assessment of cardiac and hepatic iron overload was conducted using the magnetic resonance imaging T2* technique. The Chinese version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to assess the relationships between the cardiac and hepatic T2* values and between these T2* values and the total scores of PedsQL 4.0. Analysis showed no significant correlation between cardiac and hepatic T2* values. However, a significant relationship was observed between cardiac T2* values and PedsQL 4.0 total scores (r = 0.313, P < .05), indicating that cardiac, but not hepatic, iron overload is associated with the quality of life. This study highlights the absence of correlation between cardiac and hepatic iron overload levels and demonstrates a significant impact of cardiac iron overload on the quality of life in children with β-TM. These findings suggest the need for a focused approach to cardiac health in managing β-TM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Lan
- Department of Paediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhonglv Ye
- Department of Paediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jiayi Du
- Department of Paediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Lili Liu
- Department of Paediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chuan Tian
- Department of Paediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Linming Huang
- Department of Paediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiaohuan Mo
- Department of Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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Musallam KM, Barella S, Origa R, Ferrero GB, Lisi R, Pasanisi A, Longo F, Gianesin B, Forni GL. Revisiting iron overload status and change thresholds as predictors of mortality in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia: a 10-year cohort study. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:2283-2297. [PMID: 38503936 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05715-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Data on iron overload status and change thresholds that can predict mortality in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) are limited. This was a retrospective cohort study of 912 TDT patients followed for up to 10 years at treatment centers in Italy (median age 32 years, 51.6% female). The crude mortality rate was 2.9%. Following best-predictive threshold identification through receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, data from multivariate Cox-regression models showed that patients with Period Average Serum Ferritin (SF) > 2145 vs ≤ 2145 ng/mL were 7.1-fold (P < 0.001) or with Absolute Change SF > 1330 vs ≤ 1330 ng/mL increase were 21.5-fold (P < 0.001) more likely to die from any cause. Patients with Period Average Liver Iron Concentration (LIC) > 8 vs ≤ 8 mg/g were 20.2-fold (P < 0.001) or with Absolute Change LIC > 1.4 vs ≤ 1.4 mg/g increase were 27.6-fold (P < 0.001) more likely to die from any cause. Patients with Index (first) cardiac T2* (cT2*) < 27 vs ≥ 27 ms were 8.6-fold (P < 0.001) more likely to die from any cause. Similarly, results at varying thresholds were identified for death from cardiovascular disease. These findings should support decisions on iron chelation therapy by establishing treatment targets, including safe iron levels and clinically meaningful changes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Center for Research On Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Susanna Barella
- S.C. Centro Delle Microcitemie E Anemie Rare, ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Raffaella Origa
- Università Di Cagliari, S.C. Centro Delle Microcitemie E Anemie Rare, ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Ferrero
- Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemia Reference Center, Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Lisi
- Thalassemia Unit, ARNAS Garibaldi, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Pasanisi
- Centro Della Microcitemia A.Quarta, Hematology Unit, A. Perrino Hospital, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Filomena Longo
- Day Hospital Della Talassemia E Delle Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
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Musallam KM, Barella S, Origa R, Ferrero GB, Lisi R, Pasanisi A, Longo F, Gianesin B, Forni GL. Differential effects of iron chelators on iron burden and long-term morbidity and mortality outcomes in a large cohort of transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients who remained on the same monotherapy over 10 years. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2024; 107:102859. [PMID: 38820707 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2024.102859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 663 transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients receiving the same iron chelation monotherapy with deferoxamine, deferiprone, or deferasirox for up to 10 years (median age 31.8 years, 49.9 % females). Patients on all three iron chelators had a steady and significant decline in serum ferritin over the 10 years (median deferoxamine: -170.7 ng/mL, P = 0.049, deferiprone: -236.7 ng/mL, P = 0.001; deferasirox: -323.7 ng/mL, P < 0.001) yet had no significant change in liver iron concentration or cardiac T2*; while noting that patients generally had low hepatic and cardiac iron levels at study start. Median absolute, relative, and normalized changes were generally comparable between the three iron chelators. Patients receiving deferasirox had the highest morbidity and mortality-free survival probability among the three chelators, although the difference was only statistically significant when compared with deferoxamine (P = 0.037). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, there was no significant association between iron chelator type and the composite outcome of morbidity or mortality. In a real-world setting, there is comparable long-term iron chelation effectiveness between the three available iron chelators for patients with mild-to-moderate iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susanna Barella
- S.C. Centro delle Microcitemie e Anemie Rare, ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Raffaella Origa
- Università di Cagliari, S.C. Centro delle Microcitemie e Anemie Rare, ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Ferrero
- Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemia Reference Center, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Lisi
- Thalassemia Unit, ARNAS Garibaldi, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Pasanisi
- Centro della Microcitemia A.Quarta, Hematology Unit, A. Perrino Hospital, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Filomena Longo
- Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
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Bayraktaroglu S, Karadas N, Onen S, Karapinar DY, Aydinok Y. Modern management of iron overload in thalassemia major patients guided by MRI techniques: real-world data from a long-term cohort study. Ann Hematol 2022; 101:521-529. [DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04748-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Cardiac T2* MR in patients with thalassemia major: a 10-year long-term follow-up. Ann Hematol 2020; 99:2009-2017. [PMID: 32556452 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-020-04117-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The consequence of regular blood transfusion in patients with thalassemia major (TM) is iron overload. Herein, we report the long-term impact of chelation on liver iron concentration (LIC) and cardiac T2* MR in patients with TM. This is a retrospective cohort study over 10 years of adolescents and adults with TM aged at least 10 years who had their first cardiac T2* MR between September 2006 and February 2007. One-year chelation therapy was considered the unit of analysis. A total of 99 patients were included in this study with a median age of 18 years. The median cardiac T2* MR and LIC at baseline were 19 ms and 11.6 mg/g dw, respectively. During follow-up, 18 patients died and six underwent successful bone marrow transplantation. Factors associated with decreased survival were older age (HR 1.12, p = 0.014) and high risk cardiac T2* (HR 8.04, p = 0.004). The median cardiac T2* and LIC significantly improved over the 10-year follow-up period (p = 0.000011 and 0.00072, respectively). In conclusion, this long-term "real-life" study confirms that low cardiac T2* adversely impacts the overall survival in patients with TM. Higher baseline LIC predicts a larger reduction in LIC, and lower baseline cardiac T2* predicts a larger improvement in T2*.
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Rezaeian N, Mohtasham MA, Khaleel AJ, Parnianfard N, Kasani K, Golshan R. Comparison of global strain values of myocardium in beta-thalassemia major patients with iron load using specific feature tracking in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 36:1343-1349. [PMID: 32346846 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-020-01835-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Thalassemia defined a spectrum of diseases characterized by reduced or absent production of one of the globin chains of hemoglobin. High iron deposition in the myocardium may cause functional impairment even before any changes in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. These impairments may appear as changes in strain values. Early detection of myocardial dysfunction is essential for improving survival and preventing further complications. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the cardiac strain patterns by Feature Tracking -Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FT-CMR) method and their correlation with T2* values as a new parameter in determining myocardial iron overload (MIO). In this retrospective investigation, ninety-one patients with B-thalassemia major included from May 2016 to July 2019. Twenty-three healthy subjects, also incorporated as a control group. CMR used to evaluate ventricular volumes, LVEF, and the amount of myocardial T2*. Moreover, Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), Global Circumferential Strain (GCS), and Global Radial Strain (GRS) were measured and analyzed in both rights and left ventricles. Correlations of cardiac T2* with GLS, GCS, and GRS were evaluated. The optimal cutoff value of GLS for prediction of cardiac T2* < 20 ms (as an indicator of inadequate chelation) calculated as well. There were significant correlations between cardiac T2* with LV GLS, LV GCS, and right ventricular GLS (p < 0.05 for each one). Moreover, a significant difference detected between the group of TM - MIO and TM + MIO and control group in terms of GLS (p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value of GLS for prediction of cardiac T2* < 20 ms was at - 16.5% with sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 63%, respectively. Our study demonstrates that strain values measured by FT and myocardial T2* values are correlated. FT-CMR can be considered as an efficient tool for early detection of iron deposition and its effects on cardiac tissue so that proper and timely modification could have applied to chelation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Rezaeian
- Shahid Rajaei Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Ahmadi Mohtasham
- Radiology Department, Shahid Rajaei Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Azad Jameel Khaleel
- Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Iranian Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) Center: a Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Neda Parnianfard
- Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Iranian Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) Center: a Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kianoosh Kasani
- Shahid Rajaei Radiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rosa Golshan
- Department of Radiology, Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Update on the Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Acquired Nonischemic Cardiomyopathies. J Thorac Imaging 2017; 31:348-366. [PMID: 27438188 DOI: 10.1097/rti.0000000000000226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies refer to a variety of myocardial disorders without underlying coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, hypertension, or congenital heart disease. Several imaging modalities are available, but cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has now established itself as a crucial imaging technique in the evaluation of several cardiomyopathies. It not only provides comprehensive information on structure and function, but also can perform tissue characterization, which helps in establishing the etiology of cardiomyopathy. CMR is also useful in establishing the diagnosis, providing guidance for endomyocardial biopsy, accurate quantification of function, volumes, and fibrosis, prognostic determination, risk stratification, and monitoring response to therapy. In this article, we review the current role of CMR in the evaluation of several acquired nonischemic cardiomyopathies, particularly focusing on recent advances in knowledge. We also discuss in detail a select group of common acquired nonischemic cardiomyopathies.
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Vitrano A, Calvaruso G, Lai E, Colletta G, Quota A, Gerardi C, Concetta Rigoli L, Pitrolo L, Cuccia L, Gagliardotto F, Filosa A, Caruso V, Argento C, Campisi S, Rizzo M, Prossomariti L, Fidone C, Fustaneo M, Di Maggio R, Maggio A. The era of comparable life expectancy between thalassaemia major and intermedia: Is it time to revisit the major-intermedia dichotomy? Br J Haematol 2016; 176:124-130. [PMID: 27748513 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In the last few decades, the life expectancy of regularly transfused β-thalassaemia major (TM) patients has dramatically improved following the introduction of safe transfusion practices, iron chelation therapy, aggressive treatment of infections and improved management of cardiac complications. How such changes, especially those attributed to the introduction of iron chelation therapy, improved the survival of TM patients to approach those with β-thalassaemia intermedia (TI) remains unknown. Three hundred and seventy-nine patients with TM (n = 284, dead 40) and TI (n = 95, dead 13) were followed retrospectively since birth until 30 June 2015 or death. Kaplan-Meir curves showed statistically significant differences in TM and TI survival (P < 0·0001) before the introduction of iron chelation in 1965, which were no longer apparent after that date (P = 0·086), reducing the Hazard Ratio of death in TM compared to TI from 6·8 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2·6-17·5] before 1965 to 2·8 (95% CI 0·8-9·2). These findings suggest that, in the era of iron chelation therapy and improved survival for TM, the major-intermedia dichotomy needs to be revisited alongside future directions in general management and prevention for both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Vitrano
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino - A.O.O.R. "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Calvaruso
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino - A.O.O.R. "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Palermo, Italy
| | - Eliana Lai
- Ospedale microcitemico, Centro Talassemici Adulti, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Grazia Colletta
- Azienda Ospedaliera Università Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele - P.O. Ferrarotto", Catania, Italy
| | | | - Calogera Gerardi
- U.O.S. di Talassemia P.O. "Giovanni Paolo II" Sciacca, Sciacca, Italy
| | | | - Lorella Pitrolo
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino - A.O.O.R. "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Palermo, Italy
| | - Liana Cuccia
- U.O.C. 7a Pediatria per le Emopatie Ereditarie, Centro di Prevenzione Diagnosi e Cura della Talassemia, A.O. "G. Di Cristina", Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Gagliardotto
- U.O.C. 7a Pediatria per le Emopatie Ereditarie, Centro di Prevenzione Diagnosi e Cura della Talassemia, A.O. "G. Di Cristina", Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Filosa
- U.O.D. Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, A.O.R.N. "A. Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Crocetta Argento
- U.O.C. Medicina Trasfusionale, A.O. "S. Giovanni di Dio", Agrigento, Italy
| | | | - Michele Rizzo
- U.O.C. Ematologia, A.O. "S. ELIA", Caltanissetta, Italy
| | | | - Carmelo Fidone
- U.O.C. Centro Trasfusionale, A.O. "M. Paternò Arezzo", Ragusa, Italy
| | - Maria Fustaneo
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino - A.O.O.R. "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosario Di Maggio
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino - A.O.O.R. "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Palermo, Italy
| | - Aurelio Maggio
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino - A.O.O.R. "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Palermo, Italy
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Kalisz K, Rajiah P. Impact of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. World J Cardiol 2016; 8:132-145. [PMID: 26981210 PMCID: PMC4766265 DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v8.i2.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-ischemic cardiomyopathies include a wide spectrum of disease states afflicting the heart, whether a primary process or secondary to a systemic condition. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has established itself as an important imaging modality in the evaluation of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. CMR is useful in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, quantification of ventricular function, establishing etiology, determining prognosis and risk stratification. Technical advances and extensive research over the last decade have resulted in the accumulation of a tremendous amount of data with regards to the utility of CMR in these cardiomyopathies. In this article, we review CMR findings of various non-ischemic cardiomyopathies and focus on current literature investigating the clinical impact of CMR on risk stratification, treatment, and prognosis.
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Nichols-Vinueza DX, White MT, Powell AJ, Banka P, Neufeld EJ. MRI guided iron assessment and oral chelator use improve iron status in thalassemia major patients. Am J Hematol 2014; 89:684-8. [PMID: 24652616 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Oral iron chelators and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of heart and liver iron burden have become widely available since the mid 2000s, allowing for improved patient compliance with chelation and noninvasive monitoring of iron levels for titration of therapy. We evaluated the impact of these changes in our center for patients with thalassemia major and transfusional iron overload. This single center, retrospective observational study covered the period from 2005 through 2012. Liver iron content (LIC) was estimated both by a T2* method and by R2 (Ferriscan® ) technique. Cardiac iron was assessed as cT2*. Forty-two patients (55% male) with transfused thalassemia and at least two MRIs were included (median age at first MRI, 17.5 y). Over a mean follow-up period of 5.2 ± 1.9 y, 190 MRIs were performed (median 4.5 per patient). Comparing baseline to last MRI, 63% of patients remained within target ranges for cT2* and LIC, and 13% improved from high values to the target range. Both the median LIC and cT2* (cR2* = 1000/cT2*) status improved over time: LIC 7.3 to 4.5 mg/g dry weight, P = 0.0004; cR2* 33.4 to 28.3 Hz, P = 0.01. Individual responses varied widely. Two patients died of heart failure during the study period. Annual MRI iron assessments and availability of oral chelators both facilitate changes in chelation dose and strategies to optimize care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana X. Nichols-Vinueza
- Division of Hematology/Oncology; Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Matthew T. White
- Clinical Research Center and Department of Psychiatry; Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Andrew J. Powell
- Department of Cardiology; Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Puja Banka
- Department of Cardiology; Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Ellis J. Neufeld
- Division of Hematology/Oncology; Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
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Kostopoulou AG, Tsiapras DP, Chaidaroglou AS, De giannis DE, Farmakis D, Kremastinos DT. The pathophysiological relationship and clinical significance of left atrial function and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in β-thalassemia major. Am J Hematol 2014; 89:13-8. [PMID: 24038100 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Iron deposition in combination with inflammatory and immunogenetic factors is involved in the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction in β-thalassemia major. We investigated the mechanical and endocrine function of the left atrium and ventricle to identify early signs of dysfunction. We studied 90 patients (mean age: 29 ± 11 years) with β-thalassemia and normal left ventricular function and 90 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Patients and controls underwent a thorough cardiac echocardiographic study and measurements of the b-type (NT-proBNP) and atrial natriuretic peptides (proANP). Patients underwent 24-hr Holter recordings for arrhythmia monitoring. In the patient group, atria were affected early during the course of the disease, prior to diastolic and systolic left ventricular dysfunction. The E/E'ratio (E Doppler mitral fast inflow to the corresponding tissue Doppler E) continually increased with age (P < 0.05) and reached levels indicating left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (E/E' > 15) in the third decade whereas indexes of active and passive atrial function decreased gradually throughout life. In controls, the E/E' ratio continually increased with age but with later (fifth decade) appearance of diastolic dysfunction and a compensatory increase in atrial active function. Both natriuretic peptides were significantly increased in patients compared to controls (558 ± 141 and 2,580 ± 1,830 fmol/mL for NT-proBNP and proANP versus 332 ± 106 and 1,331 ± 1,134 fmol/mL, respectively). Atrial fibrillation was found in a subgroup of 23 (26%) patients, older in age with mild diastolic function and enlarged, depressed atria. In conclusion, atrial mechanical depression seems to be a very early sign of cardiac damage. It may become echocardiographically evident even before diastolic and systolic dysfunction and is associated to supraventricular arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitrios P. Tsiapras
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Histocompatibility; Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center; Athens Greece
| | - Antigoni S. Chaidaroglou
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Histocompatibility; Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center; Athens Greece
| | - Dimitrios E. De giannis
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Histocompatibility; Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center; Athens Greece
| | - Dimitrios Farmakis
- First Department of Internal Medicine; University of Athens Medical School; Laiko Hospital Athens Greece
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