Assessment and Treatment of Cardiac Iron Overload in Thalassemia

Abstract

Cardiac disease remains the major cause of death in thalassemia major and iron overload is involved in heart failure development. Cardiac iron load and heart injury are evaluated by different means, among which CMR measurements remain the best method for estimation. In cases of heart iron overload, chelation treatment should be appropriately tailored in terms of intensification.

Keywords:

• Thalassemia
• CMR
• Iron overload
• Ferritin