1
|
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
|
2
|
Meloni A, Pistoia L, Gamberini MR, Spasiano A, Cuccia L, Allò M, Messina G, Cecinati V, Geraradi C, Rosso R, Vassalle C, Righi R, Renne S, Missere M, Positano V, Pepe A, Cademartiri F, Ricchi P. The impact of HCV chronic positivity and clearance on extrahepatic morbidity in thalassemia major patients: an observational study from MIOT Network. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 114:93-100. [PMID: 37150716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.05.005] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No study has evaluated the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the wide spectrum of complications affecting patients with thalassemia. OBJECTIVES This multicenter study prospectively assessed the relationship of HCV infection with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular complications in patients with thalassemia major (TM). METHODS We considered 1057 TM patients (539 females; 29.79±10.08 years) enrolled in the MIOT Network and categorized into 4 groups: negative patients (group 1a, N=460), patients who spontaneously cleared the virus within 6months (group 1b, N=242), patients who eradicated the virus after the treatment with antiviral therapy (group 2, N=102), and patients with chronic HCV infection (group 3, N=254). RESULTS Group 1a and 1b were considered as a unique group (group 1). For both groups 1 and 3, a match 1:1 for age and sex with group 2 was performed. The effective study cohort consisted of 306 patients (three groups of 102 patients). During a mean follow-up of 67.93±39.20months, the group 3 experienced a significantly higher % increase/month in aspartate transaminase levels and left ventricular mass index than both groups 1 and 2. The changes in iron overload indexes were comparable among the three groups. Compared to group 1, the chronic HCV group showed a significantly higher risk of diabetes (hazard ratio-HR=5.33; p=0.043) and of cardiovascular diseases (HR=3.80; p=0.034). CONCLUSION Chronic HCV infection is associated with a significant higher risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular complications in TM patients and should be approached as a systemic disease in which extrahepatic complications increase the weight of its pathological burden.
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
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy; U.O.S.V.D Ricerca Clinica, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Unità Operativa Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "S. Anna", Cona (FE), Italy
| | - Anna Spasiano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "A. Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Liana Cuccia
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia con Talassemia, ARNAS Civico "Benfratelli-Di Cristina", Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Allò
- Ematologia Microcitemia, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio - ASP Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Messina
- Centro Microcitemie, Azienda Ospedaliera "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Valerio Cecinati
- Struttura Semplice di Microcitemia, Ospedale "SS. Annunziata" ASL Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Calogera Geraradi
- Unità Operativa Semplice di Talassemia, Presidio Ospedaliero "Giovanni Paolo II" - Distretto AG2 di Sciacca, Sciacca (AG), Italy
| | - Rosamaria Rosso
- Unità Operativa Talassemie ed Emoglobinopatie Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Vassalle
- Medicina di laboratorio, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Righi
- Diagnostica per Immagini e Radiologia Interventistica, Ospedale del Delta, Lagosanto (FE), Italy
| | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa di Cardioradiologia-UTIC, Presidio Ospedaliero "Giovanni Paolo II", Lamezia Terme (CZ), Italy
| | - Massimiliano Missere
- U.O.C. Radiodiagnostica, Gemelli Molise SpA, Fondazione di Ricerca e Cura "Giovanni Paolo II", Campobasso, 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
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Institute of Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Ricchi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "A. Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Elbadry M, Moussa AM, Eltabbakh M, Al Balakosy A, Abdalgaber M, Abdeen N, El Sheemy RY, Afify S, El-Kassas M. The art of managing hepatitis C virus in special population groups: a paradigm shift. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-022-00226-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe first direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications were approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 2011. Later, the appearance of novel DAAs had revolutionized the landscape of HCV treatment whose early treatment options were limited to interferon (IFN) either alone or in combinations. This review discusses the paradigm shift in legibility for treating different groups of patients with HCV after the introduction of DAAs, along with the consequent changes in treatment guidelines. IFN-based therapy was the firstly used for treating chronic HCV. Unfortunately, it exhibited many pitfalls, such as low efficacy in some patients and unsuitability for usage in lots of patients with some specific conditions, which could be comorbidities such as autoimmune thyroiditis, or liver related as in decompensated cirrhosis. Furthermore, IFN failed to treat all the extrahepatic manifestations of HCV. Nowadays, the breakthroughs brought by DAAs have benefited the patients and enabled the treatment of those who could not be treated or did not usually respond well to IFN. DAAs achieve a high success rate of HCV eradication in addition to avoiding unfavorable harms and, sometimes, adverse effects related to the previously used PEGylated IFN regimens.
Collapse
|
4
|
The Link of Pancreatic Iron with Glucose Metabolism and Cardiac Iron in Thalassemia Intermedia: A Large, Multicenter Observational Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235561. [PMID: 34884261 PMCID: PMC8658115 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In thalassemia major, pancreatic iron was demonstrated as a powerful predictor not only for the alterations of glucose metabolism but also for cardiac iron, fibrosis, and complications, supporting a profound link between pancreatic iron and heart disease. We determined for the first time the prevalence of pancreatic iron overload (IO) in thalassemia intermedia (TI) and systematically explored the link between pancreas T2* values and glucose metabolism and cardiac outcomes. We considered 221 beta-TI patients (53.2% females, 42.95 ± 13.74 years) consecutively enrolled in the Extension–Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia project. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used to quantify IO (T2* technique) and biventricular function and to detect replacement myocardial fibrosis. The glucose metabolism was assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Pancreatic IO was more frequent in regularly transfused (N = 145) than in nontransfused patients (67.6% vs. 31.6%; p < 0.0001). In the regular transfused group, splenectomy and hepatitis C virus infection were both associated with high pancreatic siderosis. Patients with normal glucose metabolism showed significantly higher global pancreas T2* values than patients with altered OGTT. A pancreas T2* < 17.9 ms predicted an abnormal OGTT. A normal pancreas T2* value showed a 100% negative predictive value for cardiac iron. Pancreas T2* values were not associated to biventricular function, replacement myocardial fibrosis, or cardiac complications. Our findings suggest that in the presence of pancreatic IO, it would be prudent to initiate or intensify iron chelation therapy to prospectively prevent both disturbances of glucose metabolism and cardiac iron accumulation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Impact of DAA-Based Regimens on HCV-Related Extra-Hepatic Damage: A Narrative Review. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1323:115-147. [PMID: 33326112 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2020_604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Two-third of patients with chronic hepatitis C show extrahepatic manifestations due to HCV infection of B lymphocytes, such as mixed cryoglobulinemia and non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma, or develop a chronic inflammatory status that may favor the development of adverse cardiovascular events, kidney diseases or metabolic abnormalities.DAAs treatments induce HCV eradication in 95% of treated patients, which also improves the clinical course of extrahepatic manifestations, but with some limitations. After HCV eradication a good compensation of T2DM has been observed, but doubts persist about the possibility of obtaining a stable reduction in fasting glucose and HbA1c levels.Chronic HCV infection is associated with low total and LDL cholesterol serum levels, which however increase significantly after HCV elimination, possibly due to the disruption of HCV/lipid metabolism interaction. Despite this adverse effect, HCV eradication exerts a favorable action on cardiovascular system, possibly by eliminating numerous other harmful effects exerted by HCV on this system.DAA treatment is also indicated for the treatment of patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome, since HCV eradication results in symptom reduction and, in particular, is effective in cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Furthermore, HCV eradication exerts a favorable action on HCV-related lymphoproliferative disorders, with frequent remission or reduction of clinical manifestations.There is also evidence that HCV clearance may improve impaired renal functions, but same conflicting data persist on the effect of some DAAs on eGFR.
Collapse
|
6
|
The Safety of The Directly Acting Antiviral Treatment For Hepatitis C Virus According To The Egyptian National Program Protocol In Patients With Midrange Ejection Fraction. Glob Heart 2021; 16:3. [PMID: 33598383 PMCID: PMC7792459 DOI: 10.5334/gh.906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Egyptian National Committee of Viral Hepatitis program is the leading national hepatitis C virus (HCV) management program globally. However, limited data is available about the effect of the new directly acting antiviral agents on the cardiovascular system. Objectives Our study aimed to assess the safety of the relatively new directly acting antiviral agents approved by the National Health Committee in Egypt to treat patients infected with hepatitis C virus who have midrange left ventricular ejection fraction. Methods This multicenter study included 400 successive patients with an ejection fraction (40-49%) from May 2017 to December 2019. We classified them into two groups: Group I (Child A), who received Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir for twelve weeks, and Group II (Child B), who received Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir, and Ribavirin for twelve weeks. Patients were evaluated for their symptoms, ejection fraction, brain natriuretic peptide, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance levels, and Holter monitoring (just before the start of treatment and within three days after completing therapy). Results We found New York Heart Association Class, ejection fraction, brain natriuretic peptide, premature ventricular contractions burden, as well as highest and lowest heart rate did not show a statistically significant difference in both groups after treatment. The treatment did not cause bradycardia or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels declined, with improved insulin resistance after treatment in both groups. Both low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased after treatment in Group II. Conclusions Both regimens of directly acting antiviral agents used in Egypt to treat chronic hepatitis C virus infection are safe in patients with New York Heart Association Class I and II with midrange left ventricular ejection fraction (40-49%). There are beneficial metabolic changes following HCV clearance as an improvement of insulin resistance.
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen JY, Cheng PN, Chiu YC, Chiu HC, Tsai WC, Tsai LM. Persistent augmentation of central arterial stiffness following viral clearance by direct-acting antivirals in chronic hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:159-167. [PMID: 32929802 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases. Although direct-acting antivirals (DAA) result in rapid eradication of HCV, their long-term impact on arterial stiffness remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate changes in parameters of central arterial stiffness from pretreatment, through sustained virological response, to one year after viral clearance. Patients with chronic HCV receiving DAA treatment were enrolled prospectively. Medical history and comorbidities of all patients were collected. Lipid profiles, liver stiffness by transient elastography and central blood pressures using pulse wave analysis of the brachial artery by cuff sphygmomanometry were measured before treatment, at viral clearance and at one year following viral clearance. Augmentation index (AIx), a parameter of aortic stiffness, was calculated as the ratio of augmentation pressure to central pulse pressure. After DAA treatment, all included patients with chronic HCV (n = 102) had achieved viral clearance. Cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) increased significantly at viral clearance and persisted at one year (all P < .001). AIx was also elevated significantly at viral clearance and persisted one year later (P < .001). Changes in AIx remained significant only in patients with increased values from baseline in either LDL (P < .01) or TG/HDL (P < .001). Central arterial stiffness and lipid profiles in patients with chronic HCV worsen immediately after viral eradication by DAA treatment and persist at one year. Worsening of lipid profiles after DAA treatment contributes to central arterial stiffness in this patient population and persists long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Yi Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Nan Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Cheng Chiu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Chiu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chuan Tsai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Miin Tsai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
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: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [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
|