CT in B-thalassemia: iron deposition in the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes

Endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory process in transfusion-dependent patients with beta-thalassemia major

“…In the present study we have shown that increased expression of IL-6 and elevated release of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 are present early in patients with uncomplicated beta-thalassemia major. This finding may be due to the increased oxidative stress which accompanies the iron-overload observed in beta-thalassemia major, while infectious agents, red blood cell rheological properties, and factors derived from increased red blood cell destruction may also contribute to this phenomenon [18].…”

Abdominal Lymphadenopathy in β-Thalassemia: MRI Features and Correlation with Liver Iron Overload and Posttransfusion Chronic Hepatitis C

“…Winchester et al [19] reported the radiologic appearance of enlarged lymph nodes in four patients with thalassemia major as elongated nodular densities in a chainlike fashion bilaterally that were visualized along the upper lumbar and lower thoracic spine [19]. Mitnick et al [21] reported striking hyperdensity of enlarged abdominal lymph nodes on CT in nine thalassemic patients who were receiving a hypertransfusion regimen. On histology, these hyperdense nodes displayed heavy deposition of iron pigment in expanded cortical and medullary sinusoids, with sparing of cortical follicles [21], a description that may conform to reactive hyperplasia with iron accumulation in the reticuloendothelial cells of the hyperplastic node.…”

“…Abdominal lymphadenopathy has been sporadically reported in patients with β-thalassemia major, seen on abdominal radiography [19], lymphography [20], and abdominal CT [21] and more recently on sonography of the abdomen [22]. To our knowledge, the MRI findings of abdominal lymphadenopathy in β-thalassemia major have not been described.…”

Imaging of Spleen Disorders

“…Abnormal iron deposition, in secondary hemochromatosis, causes increased density in the spleen, as well as in the liver. This is evident, on CT, as a diffuse increase in attenuation, but is rarely seen on plain film (Mitnick et al, 1981). Intracellular iron has a characteristic appearance on MRI, because of shortening of T2 relaxation time, resulting in a diffuse low signal intensity, most apparent on T2-weighted images.…”