Imaging features of thalassemia


TUNACI M., TUNACI A., ENGIN G., OZKORKMAZ B., DINCOL G., ACUNAS G., ...More

EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY, vol.9, no.9, pp.1804-1809, 1999 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 9 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 1999
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s003300050926
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1804-1809
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Thalassemia is a kind of chronic, inherited, microcytic anemia characterized by defective hemoglobin synthesis and ineffective erythropoiesis. In all thalassemias clinical features that result from anemia, transfusional, and absorptive iron overload are similar but vary in severity. The radiographic features of beta-thalassemia are due in large part to marrow hyperplasia. Markedly expanded marrow space lead to various skeletal manifestations including spine, skull, facial, bones, and ribs. Extramedullary hematopoiesis (ExmH), hemosiderosis, and cholelithiasis are among the non-skeletal manifestations of thalassemia. The skeletal X-ray findings show characteristics of chronic overactivity of the marrow. In this article both skeletal and non-skeletal manifestations of thalassemia are discussed with an overview of X-ray findings, including MRI and CT findings.