Diagnosis of hemochromatosis with magnetic resonance

• Published in: Anales de medicina interna (Madrid, Spain : 1984) Vol. 17; no. 8; p. 419
• Main Authors: Larrubia, J R, Mendoza, J L, Pérez de la Serna, J A, Ruiz de León, A, Méndez, R, Díaz-Rubio, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.08.2000
• Subjects: Aged; Hemochromatosis - diagnosis; Humans; Liver Diseases - diagnosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male
• ISSN: 0212-7199

Hemochromatosis is a disorder of parenchymal iron overload. The diagnosis is based upon clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and iron concentration in liver. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows a decrease in liver signal intensity. Its role has not been already defined. Nonetheless, ratio of liver to muscle proton density (LMPD) shows a significant correlation with hepatic iron. One patient with a long-standing cirrhosis with data of hemochromatosis whose coagulation study did not allow to perform a liver biopsy was diagnosed with this method. Hepatic iron concentration was calculated based upon: microgram/g of hepatic iron = (-5.174* LMPD) + 9.932. MRI can be useful in the evaluation of hemochromatosis among patients who refuse or have contraindication to liver biopsy.