CMR in Hemochromotosis

There are multiple iron overload states:
 * hemochromatosis
 * thalassemia major
 * sideroblastic anemia
 * chronic hemolytic anemia
 * chronic liver disease.

Hemochromatosis
On cardiac MR, patients with hemochromatosis have very low signal intensity in the myocardium due to the effects of iron deposits.

T2 imaging can be highly sensitive in detecting myocardial iron deposition based on study by Anderson and colleagues. - T2* values are substantially reduced, from normal values of 50msec or greater to less than 20msec. Lower T2* can indicate worsening LV function. Late signs of iron toxicity include left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The importance of this is that early identification of iron-deposition cardiomyopathy enables early intensification of iron chelation therapy which could potentially improve a patient's chance of survivial.