Whole-body T2* mapping at 1.5 T

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics

Background:

• Iron overload is a significant complication in transfusion-dependent anemias.
• Accurate assessment of total body iron burden is crucial for managing these conditions.
• Current methods for iron quantification have limitations in scope and precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for generating whole-body T2* maps at 1.5 Tesla.
• To establish reference T2* values in healthy volunteers across various organs.
• To assess the utility of this technique in patients with transfusion-dependent anemias.

Main Methods:

• A fat-suppressed multiecho 2D gradient-echo sequence was employed to acquire images at five body levels.
• Twelve echo times were utilized to reconstruct parametric T2* maps on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
• T2* values were computed from regions of interest in healthy volunteers and patients.

Main Results:

• Good-quality whole-body T2* maps were successfully generated for all participants.
• Reference T2* values were established for brain, liver, spleen, kidneys, and skeletal muscles in healthy individuals.
• Patients with transfusion-dependent anemias exhibited significantly shortened T2* values, correlating with serum ferritin levels, indicating substantial iron deposition.

Conclusions:

• The developed MRI protocol is feasible for whole-body T2* mapping at 1.5 T.
• This technique provides a comprehensive assessment of iron distribution throughout the body.
• The findings suggest potential clinical applications in monitoring iron burden and guiding chelation therapy in at-risk patients.