Idiopathic haemochromatosis: magnetic resonance signal intensity ratios permit non-invasive diagnosis of low levels of iron overload.
OBJECTIVE
The detection of low levels of iron overload by magnetic resonance imaging.


METHODS
Eight consecutive patients suspected of having idiopathic haemochromatosis. Comparison of signal intensity ratios and absolute iron content of liver.


RESULTS
There was a good correlation between the signal intensity ratios and iron content in the range 2-30 micrograms Fe/mg dry weight.


CONCLUSIONS
The ability of a non-invasive technique to detect low levels of iron overload could be useful in the assessment of therapy and in the screening of relatives of probands with idiopathic haemochromatosis.
Macfarlane
J D
JD
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Leiden, Netherlands.
Vreugdenhil
G R
GR
Doornbos
J
J
van der Voet
G B
GB
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000032:analysis; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis*; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009132:Muscles / Q000737:chemistry
D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron