Multislice multiecho T2* MRI for detection of the distribution of hepatic iron overload

Introduction: Precise and effective measurements of iron overload in the liver, where iron deposition seems to be primarily noticeable [1], are important for the early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of thalassemia patients. Measurement of liver iron concentration in a small part of a needle biopsy is currently considered the gold standard for this purpose and is taken as representative of the mean iron concentration in the whole liver [2]. However, a few studies involving multiple biopsies have shown a heterogeneity in liver iron deposition [3]. The goals of our study were to set up a MRI acquisition technique for the detection of the iron burden in the whole liver and to detect potential preferential patterns of iron deposit.