1
|
Kimita W, Skudder-Hill L, Shamaitijiang X, Priya S, Petrov MS. Associations of pancreas fat content and size with markers of iron metabolism. Obes Res Clin Pract 2024; 18:56-63. [PMID: 38278667 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2024.01.002] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To comprehensively investigate the associations of pancreas fat content and size with circulating markers of iron metabolism. METHODS A total of 116 individuals underwent magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy on a 3.0 Tesla scanner, exclusively for the purpose of the COSMOS research programme. Intra-pancreatic fat deposition, total pancreas volume, liver fat content, visceral and subcutaneous fat volumes were quantified. Plasma levels of hepcidin and ferritin were measured. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted, adjusting for body mass index, age, and sex. RESULTS Total intra-pancreatic fat deposition was inversely associated with hepcidin (β = -0.54, 95 % confidence interval -1.02 to -0.07) whereas total pancreas volume was not associated with hepcidin (β = 0.36, 95 % confidence interval -7.12 to 7.84) in the most adjusted model. Neither total intra-pancreatic fat deposition (β = -0.03, 95 % confidence interval -0.39 to 0.33) nor total pancreas volume (β = -1.02, 95 % confidence interval -6.67 to 4.63) was associated with ferritin in the most adjusted model. Subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, and liver fat were not associated with hepcidin. Subcutaneous fat was inversely associated with ferritin (β = -0.06, 95 % CI -0.11 to -0.01) whereas visceral fat (β = 0.05, 95 % CI -0.01 to 0.14) and liver fat (β = 0.09, 95 % CI -0.04 to 0.34) were not associated with ferritin in the most adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS Increased intra-pancreatic fat deposition, but not other fat depots, is associated with reduced circulating levels of hepcidin. Deranged iron metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of fatty change of the pancreas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wandia Kimita
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Sunitha Priya
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maxim S Petrov
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meloni A, Nobile M, Keilberg P, Positano V, Santarelli MF, Pistoia L, Spasiano A, Casini T, Putti MC, Cuccia L, Bitti PP, Messina G, Peritore G, Renne S, Grassedonio E, Quaia E, Cademartiri F, Pepe A. Pancreatic fatty replacement as risk marker for altered glucose metabolism and cardiac iron and complications in thalassemia major. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:7215-7225. [PMID: 37115218 PMCID: PMC10511559 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09630-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This multicenter study assessed the extent of pancreatic fatty replacement and its correlation with demographics, iron overload, glucose metabolism, and cardiac complications in a cohort of well-treated patients with thalassemia major (TM). METHODS We considered 308 TM patients (median age: 39.79 years; 182 females) consecutively enrolled in the Extension-Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia Network. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify iron overload (IO) and pancreatic fat fraction (FF) by T2* technique, cardiac function by cine images, and to detect replacement myocardial fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement technique. The glucose metabolism was assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS Pancreatic FF was associated with age, body mass index, and history of hepatitis C virus infection. Patients with normal glucose metabolism showed a significantly lower pancreatic FF than patients with impaired fasting glucose (p = 0.030), impaired glucose tolerance (p < 0.0001), and diabetes (p < 0.0001). A normal pancreatic FF (< 6.6%) showed a negative predictive value of 100% for abnormal glucose metabolism. A pancreatic FF > 15.33% predicted the presence of abnormal glucose metabolism. Pancreas FF was inversely correlated with global pancreas and heart T2* values. A normal pancreatic FF showed a negative predictive value of 100% for cardiac iron. Pancreatic FF was significantly higher in patients with myocardial fibrosis (p = 0.002). All patients with cardiac complications had fatty replacement, and they showed a significantly higher pancreatic FF than complications-free patients (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Pancreatic FF is a risk marker not only for alterations of glucose metabolism, but also for cardiac iron and complications, further supporting the close link between pancreatic and cardiac disease. KEY POINTS • In thalassemia major, pancreatic fatty replacement by MRI is a frequent clinical entity, predicted by a pancreas T2* < 20.81 ms and associated with a higher risk of alterations in glucose metabolism. • In thalassemia major, pancreatic fatty replacement is a strong risk marker for cardiac iron, replacement fibrosis, and complications, highlighting a deep connection between pancreatic and cardiac impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
- U. O. C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Nobile
- Sezione Di Scienze Radiologiche - Dipartimento Di Biopatologia E Biotecnologie Mediche, Policlinico "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy
| | - Petra Keilberg
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
- U. O. C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Spasiano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera Di Rilievo Nazionale "A. Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Tommaso Casini
- Centro Talassemie Ed Emoglobinopatie, Ospedale "Meyer", Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Putti
- Dipartimento Della Salute Della Donna E del Bambino, Clinica Di Emato-Oncologia Pediatrica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Università Di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Liana Cuccia
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia Con Talassemia, ARNAS Civico "Benfratelli-Di Cristina", Palermo, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Bitti
- Dipartimento Dei Servizi, Servizio Immunoematologia E Medicina Trasfusionale, Presidio Ospedaliero "San Francesco" ASL Nuoro, Nuoro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Messina
- Centro Microcitemie, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Peritore
- Unità Operativa Complessa Di Radiologia, ARNAS Civico "Benfratelli-Di Cristina", Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa Di Cardioradiologia-UTIC, Presidio Ospedaliero "Giovanni Paolo II", Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Emanuele Grassedonio
- Sezione Di Scienze Radiologiche - Dipartimento Di Biopatologia E Biotecnologie Mediche, Policlinico "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy
| | - Emilio Quaia
- Institute of Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Giustiniani, 2 Street, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Institute of Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Giustiniani, 2 Street, 35128, Padova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Meloni A, Positano V, Pistoia L, Cademartiri F. Pancreatic iron quantification with MR imaging: a practical guide. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2022; 47:2397-2407. [PMID: 35596775 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-022-03552-y] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Accurate determination of pancreatic iron status is crucial for preventing impairment of the exocrine and endocrine function of the pancreas and for prospectively stratifying the cardiac iron risk. The following article should be a sort of practical guide for radiologists interested in quantifying pancreatic iron overload by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). After a brief background on iron-deposition diseases, we will describe basic principles and relative advantages and disadvantages of the more widely used and clinically feasible MRI-based techniques for pancreatic iron assessment. These methods can be classified into signal intensity ratio (SIR) and relaxometry methods. We will examine different technical aspects representing the key for accurate and precise relaxation time measurement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wagner R, Eckstein SS, Yamazaki H, Gerst F, Machann J, Jaghutriz BA, Schürmann A, Solimena M, Singer S, Königsrainer A, Birkenfeld AL, Häring HU, Fritsche A, Ullrich S, Heni M. Metabolic implications of pancreatic fat accumulation. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:43-54. [PMID: 34671102 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00573-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fat accumulation outside subcutaneous adipose tissue often has unfavourable effects on systemic metabolism. In addition to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which has received considerable attention, pancreatic fat has become an important area of research throughout the past 10 years. While a number of diagnostic approaches are available to quantify pancreatic fat, multi-echo Dixon MRI is currently the most developed method. Initial studies have shown associations between pancreatic fat and the metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pancreatic fat is linked to reduced insulin secretion, at least under specific circumstances such as prediabetes, low BMI and increased genetic risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This Review summarizes the possible causes and metabolic consequences of pancreatic fat accumulation. In addition, potential therapeutic approaches for addressing pancreatic fat accumulation are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wagner
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sabine S Eckstein
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hajime Yamazaki
- Section of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Community Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Felicia Gerst
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Machann
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Section of Experimental Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Assad Jaghutriz
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annette Schürmann
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Experimental Diabetology, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Michele Solimena
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Molecular Diabetology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID), Helmholtz Center Munich, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Singer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alfred Königsrainer
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas L Birkenfeld
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Häring
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Fritsche
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Ullrich
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Heni
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Department for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang CL, Wang JJ, Li JN, Yang Y. Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease: An emerging clinical challenge. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:6624-6638. [PMID: 34447810 PMCID: PMC8362510 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i23.6624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) is an emerging disease that has gained an increasing amount of attention in recent years. It describes fat accumulation in the pancreas with insignificant alcohol consumption, but the pathogenesis is largely unknown. A wide range of terms have been used to describe the phenomenon of pancreatic fat accumulation, but NAFPD remains an under-recognized and non-independent disorder. Obesity, age, sex, race, and unhealthy lifestyle are established independent risk factors for NAFPD, which is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, pancreatitis, pancreatic fistula, pancreatic cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. At present, imaging techniques are common diagnostic aids, but uniform criteria and consensus are lacking. Therapeutically, healthy diet, weight loss, and exercise are the mainstays to reduce pancreatic fat accumulation. It can be seen that there is a limited understanding of NAFPD at this stage and further exploration is needed. Previous studies have revealed that NAFPD may directly affect diagnosis and clinical decision-making. Therefore, exploring the pathophysiological mechanism and clinical associations of NAFPD is a major challenge for researchers and clinicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Lei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- The Institute of Endocrinology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jing-Jiao Wang
- Department of Stomatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jian-Ning Li
- The Institute of Endocrinology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Yang
- The Institute of Endocrinology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
MRI-based R2* mapping in patients with suspected or known iron overload. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2021; 46:2505-2515. [PMID: 33388804 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-020-02912-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE R2* relaxometry is a quantitative method for assessment of iron overload. The purpose is to analyze the cross-sectional relationships between R2* in organs across patients with primary and secondary iron overload. Secondary analyses were conducted to analyze R2* according to treatment regimen. METHODS This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, institutional review board-approved study of eighty-one adult patients with known or suspected iron overload. R2* was measured by segmenting the liver, spleen, bone marrow, pancreas, renal cortex, renal medulla, and myocardium using breath-hold multi-echo gradient-recalled echo imaging at 1.5 T. Phlebotomy, transfusion, and chelation therapy were documented. Analyses included correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, and post hoc Dunn tests. p < 0.01 was considered significant. RESULTS Correlations between liver R2* and that of the spleen, bone marrow, pancreas, and heart were respectively 0.49, 0.33, 0.27, and 0.34. R2* differed between patients with primary and secondary overload in the liver (p < 0.001), spleen (p < 0.001), bone marrow (p < 0.01), renal cortex (p < 0.001), and renal medulla (p < 0.001). Liver, spleen, and bone marrow R2* were higher in thalassemia than in hereditary hemochromatosis (all p < 0.01). Renal cortex R2* was higher in sickle cell disease than in hereditary hemochromatosis (p < 0.001) and in thalassemia (p < 0.001). Overall, there was a trend toward lower liver R2* in patients assigned to phlebotomy and higher liver R2* in patients assigned to transfusion and chelation therapy. CONCLUSION R2* relaxometry revealed differences in degree or distribution of iron overload between organs, underlying etiologies, and treatment.
Collapse
|
7
|
Huang J, Shen J, Yang Q, Cheng Z, Chen X, Yu T, Zhong J, Su Y, Guo H, Liang B. Quantification of pancreatic iron overload and fat infiltration and their correlation with glucose disturbance in pediatric thalassemia major patients. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:665-675. [PMID: 33532266 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background Diabetes mellitus affects more than a quarter of patients with thalassemia major (TM) worldwide, and increases the risk for cardiac complications, contributing to significant morbidity. Pancreatic iron overload (IO) and fat infiltration have been correlated with this endocrinal complication in adult TM patients. It has been shown that in adult TM patients, iron accumulation and fat infiltration are found to be heterogeneous in the pancreatic head, body, and tail region. R2* and a fat fraction (FF) generated by gradient-echo imaging can be used as quantitative parameters to assess the iron and fat contents of the pancreas. This study aimed to determine the pattern of pancreatic iron accumulation and fat infiltration in pediatric TM patients with gradient-echo imaging and evaluate the association between pancreatic IO and fat infiltration and glucose disturbances. Methods A total of 90 children with TM (10.7±3.1 years) were included. All patients underwent pancreatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using multi-echo gradient-echo sequences. IO was measured by R2* relaxometry in 90 patients, and FF values were measured using iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and the least-squares estimation (IDEAL) method in 40 patients. R2* and FF were assessed in the pancreatic head, body, and tail. The global R2* and global FF values were obtained by averaging the respective values from the pancreatic head, body, and tail. The correlations between global R2*, global FF, and fasting glucose were determined using Spearman's correlation analysis. The Friedman test was used to compare R2* and FF among different pancreatic regions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the performance of global R2* and global FF in discriminating impaired fasting glucose from normal fasting glucose patients. Results The global R2* was positively correlated with the global FF in the pancreas (r=0.895, P<0.001). No significant differences were found in R2* among the 3 regions of the pancreas (χ2=4.050, P=0.132), but significant differences were found in FF among the 3 pancreatic regions (χ2=16.350, P<0.001). Both global pancreatic R2* (r=0.408, P<0.001) and global FF (r=0.523, P=0.001) were positively correlated with fasting glucose. ROC analysis showed that global pancreatic R2* and global FF had an area under the curve of 0.769 and 0.931 (both P<0.001), respectively, in discriminating between impaired and normal glucose function patients. Conclusions Pediatric TM patients can have homogeneous iron siderosis and heterogeneous fat infiltration in the pancreas as measured by gradient-echo imaging, both of which are risk factors for diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Huang
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qihua Yang
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziliang Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Taihui Yu
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinglian Zhong
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Su
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Biling Liang
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pepe A, Pistoia L, Gamberini MR, Cuccia L, Peluso A, Messina G, Spasiano A, Allò M, Bisconte MG, Putti MC, Casini T, Dello Iacono N, Celli M, Vitucci A, Giuliano P, Peritore G, Renne S, Righi R, Positano V, De Sanctis V, Meloni A. The Close Link of Pancreatic Iron With Glucose Metabolism and With Cardiac Complications in Thalassemia Major: A Large, Multicenter Observational Study. Diabetes Care 2020; 43:2830-2839. [PMID: 32887708 DOI: 10.2337/dc20-0908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We systematically explored the link of pancreatic iron with glucose metabolism and with cardiac complications in a cohort of 1,079 patients with thalassemia major (TM) enrolled in the Extension-Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia (E-MIOT) project. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS MRI was used to quantify iron overload (T2* technique) and cardiac function (cine images) and to detect macroscopic myocardial fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement technique). Glucose metabolism was assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). RESULTS Patients with normal glucose metabolism showed significantly higher global pancreas T2* values than patients with impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes. A pancreas T2* <13.07 ms predicted an abnormal OGTT. A normal pancreas T2* value showed a 100% negative predictive value for disturbances of glucose metabolism and for cardiac iron. Patients with myocardial fibrosis showed significantly lower pancreas T2* values. Patients with cardiac complications had significantly lower pancreas T2* values. No patient with arrhythmias/heart failure had a normal global pancreas T2*. CONCLUSIONS Pancreatic iron is a powerful predictor not only for glucose metabolism but also for cardiac iron and complications, supporting the close link between pancreatic iron and heart disease and the need to intensify iron chelation therapy to prevent both alterations of glucose metabolism and cardiac iron accumulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Pepe
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Dipartimento della Riproduzione e dell'Accrescimento, Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara - Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Liana Cuccia
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia con Talassemia, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale ed Alta Specializzazione Ospedali Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angelo Peluso
- Struttura Semplice di Microcitemia, Ospedale "SS. Annunziata" ASL Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Messina
- Centro Microcitemie, Azienda Ospedaliera "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli," Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Anna Spasiano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli," Napoli, Italy
| | - Massimo Allò
- Ematologia Microcitemia, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio-Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bisconte
- Centro di Microcitemia, Unità Operativa Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Putti
- Clinica di Emato-Oncologia Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Azienda Ospedaliero di Padova-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Tommaso Casini
- Centro Talassemie ed Emoglobinopatie, Ospedale "Meyer," Firenze, Italy
| | - Nicola Dello Iacono
- Centro Microcitemia, Day Hospital Thalassemia, Poliambulatorio "Giovanni Paolo II," Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Mauro Celli
- Unità Operativa Complessa di ImmunoEmatologia, Dipartimenti Assistenziali Integrati di Pediatria e Neuropsiachiatria Infantile, Roma, Italy
| | - Angelantonio Vitucci
- Ematologia con Trapianto-Servizio Regionale Talassemie, Dipartimento dell'Emergenza e dei Trapianti d'Organo, Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera Consorziale - Policlinico Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Giuliano
- Cardiologia con UTIC, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale ad Alta Specializzazione Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Peritore
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Radiologia, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale ad Alta Specializzazione Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa di Cardioradiologia-UTIC, Presidio Ospedaliero "Giovanni Paolo II," Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Riccardo Righi
- Diagnostica per Immagini e Radiologia Interventistica, Ospedale del Delta, Lagosanto, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Sanctis
- Pediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Quisisana Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Meloni
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Glucose dysregulation in patients with iron overload: is there a relationship with quantitative pancreas and liver iron and fat content measured by MRI? Eur Radiol 2019; 30:1616-1623. [PMID: 31712958 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06487-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to investigate the relationship between pancreatic and hepatic iron and fat to glucose metabolism in patients with iron overload and address conflicting results in literature as regards the relationship between pancreas iron and glucose dysregulation. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated pancreatic and hepatic R2*, fat fraction (FF), liver iron concentration (LIC), and glucose metabolism in 105 patients with iron overload obtained with a multi-echo gradient echo R2* technique and assessed the correlation between pancreatic R2* and FF to glucose dysregulation. RESULTS There were no significant differences in pancreatic R2*, liver R2*, and FF in patients with iron overload and glucose dysregulation compared to those with normoglycemia (p = 0.435, p = 0.674, and p = 0.976), whereas pancreatic FF was significantly higher, 23.5% vs 16.7% respectively (p = 0.011). Pancreatic FF and R2* demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.666 and 0.571 for discriminating glucose dysregulation. Pancreatic FF of 26.2% yielded specificity and sensitivity of 80% and 45% for prediction of glucose dysregulation. Pancreatic R2* weakly correlated with pancreatic FF, r = 0.388 (p < 0.001), and liver R2*, r = 0.201 (p = 0.033), and showed no correlation with hepatic FF r = -0.013 (p = 0.892) or LIC categories (p = 0.493). CONCLUSION Pancreatic FF but not pancreatic R2* was associated with glucose dysregulation in patients with iron overload. Prior studies reporting correlation of pancreatic R2* to glucose dysregulation likely relate from inadequate MRI technique or analysis employed, which unlike our study did not perform simultaneous measurements of fat and iron essential to avoid their confounding effects during quantitative analysis. KEY POINTS • Pancreatic fat fraction, unlike iron, is associated with glucose dysregulation in iron overload. • Simultaneous measurement of pancreatic iron and fat content with MRI is essential to avoid confounding effects of one another during quantitative analysis. • Pancreatic fat fraction could be utilized to predict glucose dysregulation in iron overload states.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Pancreatic steatosis is an emerging clinical entity whose pathophysiology, natural history, and long-term complications are poorly characterized in the current literature. Epidemiological and prospective studies have described prevalence rates between 16% and 35%. Although the natural history is not well known, there are strong associations with obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Ectopic fat accumulation of the pancreas can cause chronic, low-grade inflammation from adipocytokine imbalances that involve beta cells and acinar cells. This mechanism can lead to pancreatic endocrine and exocrine dysfunction and initiate carcinogenesis. Although it is associated with morbid conditions, pancreatic steatosis may be amendable to treatment with a healthy diet, less meat consumption, exercise, and smoking cessation. Pancreatic steatosis should factor into clinical decision-making and prognostication of patients with pancreatic and systemic disease. This review seeks to describe the pathophysiology, natural history, diagnosis, and complications of this emerging clinically relevant entity.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pancreatic steatosis is a clinical entity with emerging significance and impacts patient health in a multitude of ways. It has a high prevalence in the global population with predilections for different demographics by age, sex and ethnicity. Understanding the pathophysiology, clinical features and complications of this entity may be important to understanding the consequences of the ongoing obesity global epidemic. RECENT FINDINGS Obesity and metabolic syndrome contribute to metabolic derangements that result in lipid mishandling by adipocytes. Adipocytokine imbalances in circulation and in the pancreatic microenvironment cause chronic, low-grade inflammation. The resulting beta cell and acinar cell apoptosis leads to pancreatic endocrine and exocrine dysfunction. Furthermore, these adipocytokines regulate cell growth, differentiation, as well as angiogenesis and lymphatic spread. These consequences of adipocyte infiltration are thought to initiate carcinogenesis, leading to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. SUMMARY Obesity will lead to millions of deaths each year and pancreatic steatosis may be the key intermediate entity that leads to obesity-related complications. Enhancing our understanding may reveal strategies for preventing mortality and morbidity related to the global epidemic of obesity. Further research is needed to determine the pathophysiology, long-term complications and effective treatment strategies for this condition.
Collapse
|
12
|
Kosaryan M, Rahimi M, Darvishi-Khezri H, Gholizadeh N, Akbarzadeh R, Aliasgharian A. Correlation of Pancreatic Iron Overload Measured by T2*-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diabetic Patients with β-Thalassemia Major. Hemoglobin 2017; 41:151-156. [PMID: 28762844 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2017.1340306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the potential complications in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major (β-TM). In this case-controlled study, we examined the pancreatic iron levels in outpatients with β-TM. In this study, cases of patients with β-TM and DM were gender- and age-matched with control subjects, who were non-diabetic and had normal blood glucose on standard oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) tests. One of four diagnoses [normal, pre-diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), DM] was made according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. The T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T2*-weighted MRI) of the heart, liver, and pancreas was performed using a 1.5 Tesla scanner. The study enrolled 26 diabetic cases, 17 non-diabetic cases, and eight cases of IGT or pre-diabetes cases. The severity of pancreatic and cardiac iron siderosis was significantly different between the groups. We found a statistically significant difference at 5.6 ms in the T2*-weighted MRI values for the pancreas between patients with normal vs. abnormal glucose metabolism [p < 0.009; odds ratio (OR): 11.2; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.32-94.4)]. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the 5.6 ms cutoff led to an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.69 (95% CI: 55.0-84.0; p < 0.02), with sensitivity and specificity of 94.0 and 42.0%, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between pancreatic and cardiac T2*-weighted MRI (r = 0.4; p < 0.001), and a weak correlation between the pancreas and the liver (r = 0.38; p < 0.005). To conclude, we have introduced a cutoff of 5.6 ms on T2*-weighted MRI of the pancreas for prediction of abnormal glucose metabolism in β-TM patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnoush Kosaryan
- a Department of Pediatrics, Thalassemia Research Center , Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Sari , Mazarandaran Province , Iran
| | - Malihe Rahimi
- b Department of Pediatrics , Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Sari , Mazarandaran Province Iran
| | - Hadi Darvishi-Khezri
- c Student Research Committe, Thalassemia Research Center , Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Sari , Mazarandaran Province Iran
| | - Neda Gholizadeh
- d Department of Medical Radiation Engineering , Isfahan University, Noor Medical Imaging Center , Tehran , Tehran Province , Iran
| | - Rozita Akbarzadeh
- e Thalassemia Research Center , Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Sari , Mazarandaran Province , Iran
| | - Aily Aliasgharian
- f Student Research Committee, Medical Microbiology, Thalassemia Research Center , Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Sari , Mazarandaran Province , Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Catanzaro R, Cuffari B, Italia A, Marotta F. Exploring the metabolic syndrome: Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:7660-7675. [PMID: 27678349 PMCID: PMC5016366 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i34.7660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
After the first description of fatty pancreas in 1933, the effects of pancreatic steatosis have been poorly investigated, compared with that of the liver. However, the interest of research is increasing. Fat accumulation, associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), has been defined as “fatty infiltration” or “nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease” (NAFPD). The term “fatty replacement” describes a distinct phenomenon characterized by death of acinar cells and replacement by adipose tissue. Risk factors for developing NAFPD include obesity, increasing age, male sex, hypertension, dyslipidemia, alcohol and hyperferritinemia. Increasing evidence support the role of pancreatic fat in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, MetS, atherosclerosis, severe acute pancreatitis and even pancreatic cancer. Evidence exists that fatty pancreas could be used as the initial indicator of “ectopic fat deposition”, which is a key element of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and/or MetS. Moreover, in patients with fatty pancreas, pancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with an increased risk of intraoperative blood loss and post-operative pancreatic fistula.
Collapse
|
14
|
Akhtar IK, Ashraf M, Khalid IU, Hussain M. Surgical outcome of spelenectomy in Thalassemia major in children. Pak J Med Sci 2016; 32:305-8. [PMID: 27182228 PMCID: PMC4859011 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.322.8815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To determine the surgical outcome of splenectomy in children with thalassemia major. Methods: It is an observational and descriptive study conducted in Department of Paediatric Surgery in collaboration with hematology, radiology, anesthesia and paediatric intensive care department at The Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Multan during the period of September 2007 to September 2013. A total of 50 patients suffering from thalassemia major already diagnosed and under management reffered from haematology department for splenectomy were included in this study. After admission, patients were assessed on the basis of history, clinical examination, and necessary investigations before surgery and later on follow-up. Investigations carried were CBC, PT, APTT, Viral markers, ECG, X-ray Chest, abdominal ultrasonography and ECHO if necessary. Splenectomy was performed after prophylactic vaccination against post splenectomy infections. Follow up was performed for at least two years. Blood transfusion requirements and number of hospital visits per annum before and after splenectomy were calculated and results analyzed statistically using SPSS-20. Results: Fifty patients were included in this study. Out of these fifty, 43 (86%) male and 7(14%) were female with a mean age of 9 years. Average blood transfusion requirement was 250 ml/kg/year, interval of blood transfusion was two weeks and twenty five visits per year before splenectomy. After splenectomy, requirement of blood transfusion reduced to 125ml/kg/year, interval between transfusion increased to one month and hospital visits reduced up to twelve per year. Conclusion: Blood transfusion requirement and number of hospital visits per year are decreased and interval between transfusions is increased after splenectomy. Splenectomy should not be delayed when indicated. Preoperative vaccination decreases the chance of post splenectomy infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ikramullah Khan Akhtar
- Ikramullah Khan Akhtar, Paediatric Surgery Department, Children's Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ashraf
- Muhammad Ashraf, Paediatric Surgery Department, Children's Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Irum Uzma Khalid
- Irum Uzma Khalid, Paediatric Surgery Department, Children's Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Mukhtar Hussain
- Mukhtar Hussain, Paediatric Surgery Department, Children's Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
De Sanctis V, Soliman AT, Elsedfy H, Pepe A, Kattamis C, El Kholy M, Yassin M. Diabetes and Glucose Metabolism in Thalassemia Major: An Update. Expert Rev Hematol 2016; 9:401-8. [DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2016.1136209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
16
|
İdilman İS, Gümrük F, Haliloğlu M, Karçaaltıncaba M. The Feasibility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Quantification of Liver, Pancreas, Spleen, Vertebral Bone Marrow, and Renal Cortex R2* and Proton Density Fat Fraction in Transfusion-Related Iron Overload. Turk J Haematol 2015; 33:21-7. [PMID: 26376710 PMCID: PMC4805342 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.2015.0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of quantification of liver, pancreas, spleen, vertebral bone marrow, and renal cortex R2* and magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) and to evaluate the correlations among them in patients with transfusion-related iron overload. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 9 patients (5 boys, 4 girls) who were referred to our clinic with suspicion of hepatic iron overload were included in this study. All patients underwent T1-independent volumetric multi-echo gradient-echo imaging with T2* correction and spectral fat modeling. MRI examinations were performed on a 1.5 T MRI system. RESULTS All patients had hepatic iron overload. Severe hepatic iron overload was recorded in 5/9 patients (56%), and when we evaluated the PDFF maps of these patients, we observed an extensive patchy artifact in the liver in 4 of 5 patients (R2* greater than 671 Hz). When we performed MRI-PDFF measurements despite these artifacts, we observed artifactual high MRI-PDFF values. There was a close correlation between average pancreas R2* and average pancreas MRI-PDFF (p=0.003, r=0.860). There was a significant correlation between liver R2* and average pancreas R2* (p=0.021, r=0.747), liver R2* and renal cortex R2* (p=0.020, r=0.750), and average pancreas R2* and renal cortex R2* (p=0.003, r=0.858). There was a significant negative correlation between vertebral bone marrow R2* and age (p=0.018, r=-0.759). CONCLUSION High iron content of the liver, especially with a T2* value shorter than the first echo time can spoil the efficacy of PDFF calculation. Fat deposition in the pancreas is accompanied by pancreatic iron overload. There is a significant correlation between hepatic siderosis and pancreatic siderosis. Renal cortical and pancreatic siderosis are correlated, too.
Collapse
|
17
|
|
18
|
Feasibility of islet magnetic resonance imaging using ferumoxytol in intraportal islet transplantation. Biomaterials 2015; 52:272-80. [PMID: 25818433 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a clinical need for an alternative labeling agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in islet transplantation. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of islet MRI using ferumoxytol, which is the only clinically-available ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide. We compared islet function and viability of control islets and islets labeled with ferumoxytol and/or a heparin-protamine complex (HPF). Efficacy of ferumoxytol labeling was assessed in both ex vivo and in vivo models. Labeling for 48 h with HPF, but not up to 800 μg/mL ferumoxytol, deranged ex vivo islet viability and function. The T2∗ relaxation time was optimal when islets were labeled with 800 μg/mL of ferumoxytol for 48 h. Prussian blue stain, iron content assay, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) supported internalization of ferumoxytol particles. However, the labeling intensity in the ex vivo MRI of islets labeled with ferumoxytol was much weaker than that of islets labeled with ferucarbotran. In syngeneic intraportal islet transplantation, there was a correlation between the total area of visualized islets and the transplanted islet mass. In conclusion, islet MRI using ferumoxytol was feasible in terms of in vitro and in vivo efficacy and safety. However, the weak labeling efficacy is still a hurdle for the clinical application.
Collapse
|
19
|
Pfeifer CD, Schoennagel BP, Grosse R, Wang ZJ, Graessner J, Nielsen P, Adam G, Fischer R, Yamamura J. Pancreatic iron and fat assessment by MRI-R2* in patients with iron overload diseases. J Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 42:196-203. [PMID: 25236606 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the pancreatic iron (R2*) and fat content (FC) in comparison to hepatic and cardiac R2* in patients with iron overload disorders like β-thalassemia major (TM), Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) or hereditary hemochromatosis. METHODS R2* rates were assessed in the liver, heart and pancreas of 42 patients with TM, 29 subjects with other iron overload diseases, and 10 controls using an ECG-gated breathhold sequence (12 echo time [TE] = 1.3-25.7 ms, readout repetition time [TR] = 244 ms). Pancreatic R2* and FC were assessed from TE dependent region of interest based signal intensities performing water-fat chemical shift relaxometry and were compared with laboratory parameters (glucose, HbA1c, amylase and lipase). RESULTS A pancreatic iron gradient from tail (R2* = 122 s(-1) ) to head (R2* = 114 s(-1) , P < 10(-4) ) was found. The close association between cardiac and pancreatic R2* was also confirmed in patients with TM and other iron overload diseases (rs = 0.64, P < 10(-4) ). Receiver operator characteristic analysis (area: 0.89, P < 10(-4) ) identified patients with elevated cardiac iron at a pancreatic R2* cut-off level of 131s(-1) (sensitivity = specificity at 81%). Highest pancreatic R2* (211s(-1) ) and FC (36%) were found in the tail region of diabetic patients with TM. CONCLUSION Pancreatic tail showed highest R2* rates and fat contents, especially in patients with thalassemia. Besides iron accumulation fatty degeneration might be an additional risk factor for the development of diabetes in β-thalassemia major, but this hypothesis needs further studies in prediabetic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte D Pfeifer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Bjoern P Schoennagel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Regine Grosse
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Zhiyue J Wang
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Peter Nielsen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Gerhard Adam
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Roland Fischer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany.,UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Jin Yamamura
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nutritional biomarkers in children and adolescents with Beta-thalassemia-major: An Egyptian center experience. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:261761. [PMID: 24812610 PMCID: PMC4000941 DOI: 10.1155/2014/261761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aim. Trace elements and vitamins play a vital role in human body to perform its function properly. Thalassemic patients are at risk of micronutrient deficiency. This study estimated levels of vitamins A, C, E, B12, folic acid, total homocysteine (tHcy), and methylmalonic acid (MMA) along with trace elements, zinc, copper, and selenium in Beta-thalassemia-major patients. Methods. This study included 108 patients with Beta-thalassemia-major and 60 age and sex matched healthy children. Serum levels of vitamin A, E, C, tHcy, and MMA were estimated by high pressure liquid chromatography while serum levels of folic acid and B12 were estimated by thin layer chromatography. Serum zinc, copper, and selenium were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results. There was a significant decrease of vitamins A, C, E, and B12 and trace elements zinc, copper, and selenium in thalassemic patients as compared to controls. tHcy and MMA were significantly elevated in patients. No significant correlations were found between the serum levels of the studied vitamins and trace elements as regards age, frequency of transfusion, duration of transfusion, and serum ferritin. Conclusion. The level of various nutritional biomarkers (vitamins A, C, E, and B12 and trace elements zinc, copper, selenium) was reduced in chronically transfused Egyptian thalassemic patient. These patients should have periodic nutritional evaluation and supplementation. Multicenter studies are highly recommended.
Collapse
|
21
|
Ang AL, Tzoulis P, Prescott E, Davis BA, Barnard M, Shah FT. History of myocardial iron loading is a strong risk factor for diabetes mellitus and hypogonadism in adults with β thalassemia major. Eur J Haematol 2014; 92:229-36. [DOI: 10.1111/ejh.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ai Leen Ang
- Department of Haematology; The Whittington Hospital; London UK
- Department of Haematology; Singapore General Hospital; Singapore
| | | | - Emma Prescott
- Department of Haematology; The Whittington Hospital; London UK
| | | | - Maria Barnard
- Department of Endocrinology; The Whittington Hospital; London UK
| | - Farrukh T. Shah
- Department of Haematology; The Whittington Hospital; London UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
During the last 30 years, in addition to the considerable progress made in control and prevention of thalassemias(3), there have also been major advances in their symptomatic management, at least in wealthier countries where appropriate facilities are available. Remarkable improvements in survival in the severe forms of thalassemia have followed the more judicious use of blood transfusion and, in particular, the ability to manage the iron accumulation resulting from transfusion with its severe and ultimately lethal effects on endocrine and cardiac function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy F Olivieri
- Hemoglobinopathy Research University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Papakonstantinou O, Foufa K, Benekos O, Alexopoulou E, Mademli M, Balanika A, Economopoulos N, Kelekis NL. Use of fat suppression in R₂ relaxometry with MRI for the quantification of tissue iron overload in beta-thalassemic patients. Magn Reson Imaging 2012; 30:926-33. [PMID: 22495242 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the performance and results of R(2) relaxometry using a fat-suppressed (FS) multiecho sequence and compare these to conventional R(2) relaxometry in estimating tissue iron overload. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relaxation rate values (R(2)=1/T2) of the liver, spleen, pancreas and vertebral bone marrow (VBM) were estimated in 21 patients with β-thalassemia major, using a respiratory-triggered 16-echo Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) spin-echo sequence before (R(2)) and after (R(2) FS) the application of chemically selective fat suppression. RESULTS Hepatic and splenic R(2) FS values correlated with respective R(2) values (r=0.98 and r=0.96, P<.001), whereas correlations between R(2) FS and R(2) values for pancreas and VBM were not statistically significant. Bland-Altman plots show disagreement between R(2) and R(2) FS values, particularly for pancreas and VBM. Hepatic, pancreatic and VBM R(2) FS values correlated with serum ferritin (r=0.88, P<.001; r=0.51, P<.003; and r=0.75, P<.002, respectively). Hepatic R(2) FS values correlated with splenic R(2) FS (r=0.77, P<.03), pancreatic R(2) FS (r=0.61, P<.006) and VBM R(2) FS values (r=0.70, P<.001), whereas pancreatic R(2) FS values correlated also with VMB R(2) FS values. On the contrary, among the R(2) values of the above tissues, obtained without fat suppression, only hepatic R(2) values correlated with serum ferritin, whereas no correlation was documented between hepatic and pancreatic or VBM R(2) values. The application of fat suppression did not improve breathing or flow artifacts. CONCLUSION Application of fat suppression in the standard CPMG sequence improved the capability of MRI in noninvasive quantification of iron, particularly in lipid-rich tissues, such as vertebral bone marrow (VBM) and pancreas.
Collapse
|
24
|
Yamamura J, Grosse R, Jarisch A, Janka GE, Nielsen P, Adam G, Fischer R. Pancreatic exocrine function and cardiac iron in patients with iron overload and with thalassemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57:674-6. [PMID: 21671371 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.22990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Patients with β-thalassemia major at risk of cardiac iron overload have to be identified to undergo myocardial iron measurements by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), especially, in areas and centers with restricted access to MRI. Measurements of heart iron, liver iron, and pancreatic exocrine function were performed in 44 patients by MRI-R2* [the transverse relaxation rate R2* (= 1/T2*) characterizes the magnetic resonance decay from protons not being in phase with each other in contrast to R2 (= 1/T2)], biomagnetic liver susceptometry (LIC), and pancreatic serum amylase (PAM) and lipase (LIP), respectively. ROC analysis (area: 0.88) for detecting patients with cardiac R2* > 50 sec(-1) (T2* < 20 msec) by LIP revealed a cut-off level of 19 U/L. In conclusion, patients at risk of elevated cardiac iron levels could be identified by the exocrine pancreatic lipase and amylase function parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yamamura
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
More research is now focused on pancreatic steatosis. Multiple definitions, clinical associations and synonyms for pancreatic steatosis are described in the literature and can be confusing. The integration and comparison of several studies concerning this topic is therefore challenging. In the past, pancreatic steatosis was considered an innocuous condition, a bystander of many underlying diseases (such as congenital syndromes, hemochromatosis and viral infection). However, evidence that pancreatic steatosis (strongly associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome) has a role in type 2 diabetes mellitus, pancreatic exocrine dysfunction, acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and the formation of pancreatic fistula after pancreatic surgery is emerging. This Review focuses on the different etiological factors and the clinical consequences of pancreatic steatosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark M Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Vrije Universiteit University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands.
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Drakonaki EE, Maris TG, Maragaki S, Klironomos V, Papadakis A, Karantanas AH. Deferoxamine versus combined therapy for chelating liver, spleen and bone marrow iron in beta-thalassemic patients: a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging study. Hemoglobin 2010; 34:95-106. [PMID: 20113293 DOI: 10.3109/03630260903546445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the effect of iron chelation on liver, spleen and bone marrow. We examined 21 beta-thalassemic patients undergoing deferoxamine (DFO) (9/21) or combined therapy [DFO and deferiprone (L1), 12/21] with two abdominal MRI studies using T1-w/Pd-w/T2*-wGRE and T1-wTSE sequences. Changes in serum ferritin (DF%), and liver, spleen and marrow to paraspinous muscles signal intensity ratios (SI) in T1-wTSE sequence were calculated as D%=[(2(nd)value-1(st) value)/1(st) value] x100%. Negative DF% and positive D(SI)% indicated reduction of iron. Although 17/21 (80.9%) patients demonstrated reduction in ferritin, only 8/21 (38%), 7/21 (33.3%) and 7/21 (33.3%) patients had decreased liver, spleen and marrow iron. Patients undergoing combined therapy showed significantly greater reduction (Student's t-test, p < 0.05) or less increase (t-test, p <0.05) in iron stores. Combined therapy is more effective than DFO for removing and preventing liver, spleen and bone marrow iron accumulation in beta-thalassemic patients. Magnetic resonance imaging is valuable for organ-specific monitoring of chelation therapy.
Collapse
|
27
|
Matter RM, Allam KE, Sadony AM. Gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging study of pancreatic iron overload in young Egyptian beta-thalassemia major patients and effect of splenectomy. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2010; 2:23. [PMID: 20398341 PMCID: PMC2873247 DOI: 10.1186/1758-5996-2-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Accepted: 04/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thalassemic patients suffer from diabetes mellitus secondary to hemosiderosis. AIMS The study aimed to evaluate pancreatic iron overload by T2*-weighted Gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in young beta-thalassemia major patients and to correlate it with glucose disturbances, hepatic hemosiderosis, serum ferritin and splenectomy. METHODS Forty thalassemic patients (20 non diabetic, 10 diabetic, and 10 with impaired glucose tolerance) were recruited from Pediatric Hematology Clinic, in addition to 20 healthy controls. All patients underwent clinical assessment and laboratory investigations included complete blood count, liver function tests, serum ferritin and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A T2*-weighted gradient-echo sequence MRI was performed with 1.5 T scanner and signal intensity ratio (SIR) of the liver and the pancreas to noise were calculated. RESULTS Significant reduction in signal intensity ratio (SIR) of the liver and the pancreas was shown in thalassemic patients compared to controls (P < 0.0001), Thalassemic patients with abnormal glucose tolerance; including diabetics and thalassemics with impaired glucose tolerance; displayed a higher degree of pancreatic and hepatic siderosis compared to thalassemics with normal glucose tolerance or controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.0001). Splenectomized thalassemic patients had significantly lower SIR of pancreas compared to non splenectomized patients (P < 0.05). A strong correlation was present between hepatic and pancreatic siderosis in studied patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS pancreatic siderosis can be detected by T2* gradient-echo MRI since childhood in thalassemic patients, and is more evident in patients with abnormal glucose tolerance. After splenectomy, iron deposition may be accelerated in the pancreas. Follow up of thalassemic patients using pancreatic MRI together with intensive chelation therapy may help to prevent the development of overt diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randa M Matter
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Khalid E Allam
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Amany M Sadony
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Queiroz-Andrade M, Blasbalg R, Ortega CD, Rodstein MAM, Baroni RH, Rocha MS, Cerri GG. MR Imaging Findings of Iron Overload. Radiographics 2009; 29:1575-89. [DOI: 10.1148/rg.296095511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
29
|
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus and cardiomyopathy are common in chronically transfused thalassemia major patients, occurring in the second and third decades of life. We postulated that pancreatic iron deposition would precede cardiac iron loading, representing an environment favorable for extrahepatic iron deposition. To test this hypothesis, we examined pancreatic and cardiac iron in 131 thalassemia major patients over a 4-year period. Cardiac iron (R2* > 50 Hz) was detected in 37.7% of patients and pancreatic iron (R2* > 28 Hz) in 80.4% of patients. Pancreatic and cardiac R2* were correlated (r(2) = 0.52), with significant pancreatic iron occurring nearly a decade earlier than cardiac iron. A pancreatic R2* less than 100 Hz was a powerful negative predictor of cardiac iron, and pancreatic R2* more than 100 Hz had a positive predictive value of more than 60%. In serial analysis, changes in cardiac iron were correlated with changes in pancreatic iron (r(2) = 0.33, P < .001), but not liver iron (r(2) = 0.025, P = .25). As a result, pancreatic R2* measurements offer important early recognition of physiologic conditions suitable for future cardiac iron deposition and complementary information to liver and cardiac iron during chelation therapy. Staging abdominal and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging examinations could significantly reduce costs, magnet time, and need for sedation in young patients.
Collapse
|
30
|
Claster S, Wood JC, Noetzli L, Carson SM, Hofstra TC, Khanna R, Coates TD. Nutritional deficiencies in iron overloaded patients with hemoglobinopathies. Am J Hematol 2009; 84:344-8. [PMID: 19415722 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.21416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of both sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia major (TM) is accelerated oxidative damage. Decreased antioxidant levels and increased oxidant stress biomarkers are found in both diseases. Although isolated vitamin deficiencies have been reported in TM and nontransfused SCD patients, a comprehensive evaluation of vitamin and trace mineral levels has never been performed in chronically transfused SCD or TM patients. As vitamins and trace minerals may be consumed as a result of chronic oxidative stress; we hypothesized that levels of these compounds would correlate with surrogates of iron overload, hemolysis, and inflammation in chronically transfused patients. Using a convenience sample of our group of chronically transfused patients we studied 43 patients with SCD (17 male, 26 female) and 24 patients with TM (13 male and 11 female). The age range for our patients varied from 1.5 to 31.4 years. Levels of vitamins A, thiamin, B6, B12, C, D, E as well as selenium, zinc, copper, and ceruloplasmin were measured. We found that 40-75% of the patients were deficient in A, C, D and selenium and 28-38% of the patients had low levels of B vitamins and folate. There was little association with iron overload, hemolysis, or inflammation. Although the precise mechanism of these deficiencies is unclear, they may contribute to the morbidity of chronically transfused hemoglobinopathy patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Claster
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Papakonstantinou O, Alexopoulou E, Economopoulos N, Benekos O, Kattamis A, Kostaridou S, Ladis V, Efstathopoulos E, Gouliamos A, Kelekis NL. Assessment of iron distribution between liver, spleen, pancreas, bone marrow, and myocardium by means of R2 relaxometry with MRI in patients with beta-thalassemia major. J Magn Reson Imaging 2009; 29:853-9. [PMID: 19306409 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.21707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the correlation between the degree of hepatic, splenic, pancreatic, vertebral bone marrow (VBM), and myocardial siderosis, as expressed by relaxation rate (R2 = 1/T2) values, in patients with thalassemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS R2 relaxation rate values of liver, spleen, VBM, pancreas, and myocardium were estimated in 68 consecutive transfusion-dependent patients with beta-thalassemia major and 10 healthy controls using a respiratory triggered 16-echo Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) spin echo sequence. RESULTS Hepatic R2 values were significantly increased in all 68 patients; VBM, pancreatic, and myocardial R2 values were increased in 67/68, 35/47, and 47/61 patients, whereas five patients showed decreased pancreatic R2 attributed to fatty degeneration. Of the 39 nonsplenectomized patients, splenic R2 values were decreased in 30 and normal in nine patients. Hepatic R2 values correlated with splenic (r = 0.63, P < 0.001), VBM (r = 0.52, P < 0.001), but not with myocardial and pancreatic R2 values. CONCLUSION Despite positive correlations between the degree of hepatic, splenic, and VBM siderosis, as expressed by respective R2 values, there was variability of iron distribution patterns in thalassemic patients. Unpredictable patterns of iron distribution may be seen, such as normal signal of the spleen in the presence of siderotic liver, resembling primary hemochromatosis. Fatty degeneration of the pancreas was not uncommon.
Collapse
|
32
|
Argyropoulou MI, Astrakas L. MRI evaluation of tissue iron burden in patients with beta-thalassaemia major. Pediatr Radiol 2007; 37:1191-200; quiz 1308-9. [PMID: 17710390 PMCID: PMC2292491 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-007-0567-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2007] [Revised: 05/07/2007] [Accepted: 05/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
beta-Thalassaemia major is a hereditary haemolytic anaemia that is treated with multiple blood transfusions. A major complication of this treatment is iron overload, which leads to cell death and organ dysfunction. Chelation therapy, used for iron elimination, requires effective monitoring of the body burden of iron, for which serum ferritin levels and liver iron content measured in liver biopsies are used as markers, but are not reliable. MRI based on iron-induced T2 relaxation enhancement can be used for the evaluation of tissue siderosis. Various MR protocols using signal intensity ratio and mainstream relaxometry methods have been used, sometimes with discrepant results. Relaxometry methods using multiple echoes achieve better sampling of the time domain in which relaxation mechanisms take place and lead to more precise results. In several studies the MRI parameters of liver siderosis have failed to correlate with those of other affected organs, underlining the necessity for MRI iron evaluation in individual organs. Most studies have included children in the evaluated population, but MRI data on very young children are lacking. Wider application of relaxometry methods is indicated, with the establishment of universally accepted MRI protocols, and further studies, including young children, are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Argyropoulou
- Radiology Department, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GR-45110, Greece.
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Argyropoulou MI, Kiortsis DN, Astrakas L, Metafratzi Z, Chalissos N, Efremidis SC. Liver, bone marrow, pancreas and pituitary gland iron overload in young and adult thalassemic patients: a T2 relaxometry study. Eur Radiol 2007; 17:3025-30. [PMID: 17549485 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-007-0683-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2007] [Revised: 03/26/2007] [Accepted: 04/27/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Thirty-seven patients with beta-thalassemia major, including 14 adolescents (15.2 +/- 3.0 years) and 23 adults (26.4 +/- 6.9 years), were studied. T2 relaxation time (T2) of the liver, bone marrow, pancreas and pituitary gland was measured in a 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance (MR) imager, using a multiecho spin-echo sequence (TR/TE 2,000/20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160 ms). Pituitary gland height was evaluated in a midline sagittal scan of a spin-echo sequence (TR/TE, 500/20 ms). The T2 of the pituitary gland was higher in adolescents (59.4 +/- 15 ms) than in adults (45.3 +/- 10.4 ms), P < 0.05. The T2 of the pancreas was lower in adolescents (43.6 +/- 10.3 ms) than in adults (54.4 +/- 10.4 ms). No difference among groups was found in the T2 of the liver and bone marrow. There was no significant correlation of the T2 among the liver, pancreas, pituitary gland and bone marrow. There was no significant correlation between serum ferritin and T2 of the liver, pancreas and bone marrow. Pituitary T2 showed a significant correlation with pituitary gland height (adolescents: R = 0.63, adults: R = 0.62, P < 0.05) and serum ferritin (adolescents: R = -0.60, adults: R = -0.50, P < 0.05). In conclusion, iron overload evaluated by T2 is organ specific. After adolescence, age-related T2 changes are predominantly associated with pituitary siderosis and fatty degeneration of the pancreas. Pituitary size decreases with progressing siderosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Argyropoulou
- Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Drakonaki EE, Maris TG, Papadakis A, Karantanas AH. Bone marrow changes in beta-thalassemia major: quantitative MR imaging findings and correlation with iron stores. Eur Radiol 2006; 17:2079-87. [PMID: 17180327 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-006-0504-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2006] [Revised: 09/10/2006] [Accepted: 10/12/2006] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to describe the MR imaging features of bone marrow in beta-thalassemia major and investigate their relation to ferritin, liver and spleen siderosis. Spinal bone marrow was prospectively assessed on abdominal MR studies of 40 transfused beta-thalassemic patients and 15 controls using T1-w, Pd, T2*-w Gradient Echo (GRE) and T1-w turbo Spin Echo (TSE) sequences. Signal intensity (SI) ratios of liver, spleen and bone marrow to paraspinous muscles (L/M, S/M, B/M respectively) and the respective T2 relaxation rates (1/T2) were calculated. Serum ferritin levels were recorded. Bone marrow hypointensity in at least T2*-w GRE sequence was noted in 29/40 (72.5%) patients. Eleven/40 patients exhibited normal B/M on all MR sequences. Five/40 patients had normal B/M and low L/M. B/M correlated with L/M in T1-w TSE sequence only (r = 0.471, p = 0.05). B/M correlated with S/M and mean ferritin values in all sequences (r > 0.489, p < 0.01 and r > - 0.496, p < 0.03 respectively). Marrow 1/T2 did not correlate with ferritin values or liver and spleen 1/T2. B/M in transfused beta-thalassemic patients is related to splenic siderosis and ferritin levels. Although marrow is usually hypointense, it may occasionally display normal SI coexisting with liver hypointensity, a pattern typical of primary hemochromatosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni E Drakonaki
- Radiology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Papakonstantinou O, Ladis V, Kostaridou S, Maris T, Berdousi H, Kattamis C, Gourtsoyiannis N. The pancreas in beta-thalassemia major: MR imaging features and correlation with iron stores and glucose disturbances. Eur Radiol 2006; 17:1535-43. [PMID: 17149622 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-006-0507-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2006] [Revised: 08/08/2006] [Accepted: 10/12/2006] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The study aims at describing the MR features of pancreas in beta-thalassemia major, investigating the relations between MR findings and glucose disturbances and between hepatic and pancreatic siderosis. Signal intensity ratios of the pancreas and liver to right paraspinous muscle (P/M, L/M) were retrospectively assessed on abdominal MR imaging studies of 31 transfusion-dependent patients with beta-thalassemia major undergoing quantification of hepatic siderosis and 10 healthy controls, using T1- (120/4/90), intermediate in and out of phase - (120/2.7, 4/20), and T2*-(120/15/20) weighted GRE sequences. Using the signal drop of the liver and pancreas on opposed phase images, we recorded serum ferritin and results of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Decreased L/M and P/M on at least the T2* sequence were noticed in 31/31 and 30/31 patients, respectively, but no correlation between P/M and L/M was found. Patients with pathologic OGTT displayed a higher degree of hepatic siderosis (p < 0.04) and signal drop of pancreas on opposed phase imaging (p < 0.025), implying fatty replacement of pancreas. P/M was neither correlated with glucose disturbances nor serum ferritin. Iron deposition in the pancreas cannot be predicted by the degree of hepatic siderosis in beta-thalassemia major. Fatty replacement of the pancreas is common and may be associated with glucose disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olympia Papakonstantinou
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Medical School of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ooi GC, Khong PL, Chan GCF, Chan KN, Chan KL, Lam W, Ng I, Ha SY. Magnetic resonance screening of iron status in transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia patients. Br J Haematol 2004; 124:385-90. [PMID: 14717788 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04772.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The clinical utility of dual sequence (T1- and T2-weighted) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in estimating liver iron concentration (LIC) in 32 transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia major (24 females; age 18.5+/-5.9 years) patients on desferrioxamine was evaluated. Signal intensity ratios (SIR) between liver, spleen and pancreas to psoas muscle were determined on both sequences. Relationships between clinical and MR parameters, and accuracy of SIR thresholds in determining adequacy of chelation from LIC were analysed. Liver T1- and T2-SIR were related to LIC (P < 0.001). T1-SIR < 0.60 predicted severe iron overload (LIC > 15 mg/g) with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, 87%, 33% and 100% respectively. T2-SIR < 0.1 yielded 100% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 50% PPV and 100% NPV. T1-SIR > or = 1.1 predicted LIC < 7 mg/g with 69% sensitivity, 88% specificity, 85% PPV and 74% NPV. T2-SIR > or = 0.20 yielded 56.5% sensitivity, 94% specificity, 90% PPV and 71% NPV. LIC correlated with liver T1-SIR, liver T2-SIR and serum ferritin (r = -0.76, -0.65, 0.47, respectively; P < 0.01). Serum ferritin was inversely related to liver T1-SIR, liver T2-SIR and spleen T2-SIR (r = -0.35, -0.43, -0.40, respectively; P < 0.05). Mean total transfusion burden was not related to any MR parameter. Although neither MR sequence was a highly accurate predictor of LIC, SIR thresholds are useful to determine presence of iron overload and adequacy of chelation treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G C Ooi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Hong Kong, Room 405/Block K, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Growth, sexual development, fertility, bone mineral density, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and hypoadrenalism are the main issues to be addressed in the long-term follow-up of patients with thalassemia. During childhood, growth may be affected by anemia, and other potential endocrine complications. Puberty is the stage of the maximal growth insult. Beta thalassemia is associated with bone abnormalities characterized by bone marrow expansion of the medullary cavity, and osteopenia with cortical thickening and trabecular coarsening. Good nutrition with adequate vitamins and trace elements intake, along with calcium and vitamin D supplementation, can increase bone density and prevent bone loss. Endocrine abnormalities should be monitored carefully and a thorough endocrine evaluation should be carried out yearly in every patients to detect subclinical endocrinopaties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Tiosano
- Department of Pediatrics, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
| | | |
Collapse
|