MRI Quantification of Iron Overload
Hemochromatosis is an inherited disease characterized by absorption of too much iron by the body through dietary intake, and it is among the more frequently occurring genetic diseases in Canada, affecting 1 in 300 Canadians. To contract this disease, you have to inherit two defective genes, one from each parent. A brother or sister has a 25 percent chance of having the disease.
It is important to have a non-invasive method to determine the degree of impairment. The most recent studies have shown that MRI can be used to determine iron level in the blood with an equivalency of what is determined by biopsy.
Different sequences are performed to morphologically analyze the liver, spleen and pancreas correctly and to locate any hypointense lesion in the liver. The total duration of a scan, including placing the patient in the machine, is approximately 15 minutes.
Early detection and treatment of hemochromatosis is essential in preventing complications from this potentially fatal disease.
It is important to have a non-invasive method to determine the degree of impairment. The most recent studies have shown that MRI can be used to determine iron level in the blood with an equivalency of what is determined by biopsy.
Different sequences are performed to morphologically analyze the liver, spleen and pancreas correctly and to locate any hypointense lesion in the liver. The total duration of a scan, including placing the patient in the machine, is approximately 15 minutes.
Early detection and treatment of hemochromatosis is essential in preventing complications from this potentially fatal disease.
Procedure
You will be placed in supine position (lying on your back), and the technologist will put a camera on you. You will be placed in the center of the machine. You will have to follow breathing instructions. It is important to follow the instructions. For each image, you will need to hold your breath for about 15 seconds.
No preparation is necessary.
