Exploring the potential utilities of 99mTc-labeled RBC-equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major patients

Aims 99mTc-labeled RBC-equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography (ERNA) is done in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) patients routinely for cardiac dysfunction. This prospective study aimed at evaluating the potential of ERNA in demonstrating the bone marrow hyperplasia as an adjunct biomarker for monitoring the adequacy of blood transfusions in transfusion-dependent β-TM patients. Materials and methods One hundred and twenty-six patients of β-TM (study group) and 30 nonthalassemic patients (control) underwent ERNA study with an additional whole-body imaging. We quantitated the normalized bone marrow tracer uptake (due to marrow hyperplasia) and hepatic tracer uptake (indicator of hepatic perfusion) in both the groups on whole-body imaging. Liver and myocardial iron deposition were evaluated with T2* MRI in the thalassemic group. Results β-TM group showed significantly increased mean normalized marrow count (MN) compared to the control group (P 
Source: Nuclear Medicine Communications - Category: Nuclear Medicine Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research