Brain iron content and cognitive function in patients with β-thalassemia

Meiru Bu; Xi Deng; Yu Zhang; Sean W Chen; Muliang Jiang; Bihong T Chen

doi:10.1177/20406207231167050

Brain iron content and cognitive function in patients with β-thalassemia

Ther Adv Hematol. 2023 Apr 28:14:20406207231167050. doi: 10.1177/20406207231167050. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Meiru Bu¹, Xi Deng¹, Yu Zhang¹, Sean W Chen², Muliang Jiang³, Bihong T Chen⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China.
² Department of Medical Oncology & Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
³ Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, P. R. China.
⁴ Department of Diagnostic Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.

Abstract

Patients with β-thalassemia (β-TM) may have brain iron overload from long-term blood transfusions, ineffective erythropoiesis, and increased intestinal iron absorption, leading to cognitive impairment. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods such as the transverse relaxation rate, susceptibility-weighted imaging, and quantitative susceptibility mapping can provide quantitative, in vivo measurements of brain iron. This review assessed these MRI methods for brain iron quantification and the measurements for cognitive function in patients with β-TM. We aimed to identify the neural correlates of cognitive impairment, which should help to evaluate therapies for improving cognition and quality of life in patients with β-TM.

Keywords: brain iron; cognitive function; magnetic resonance imaging; β-thalassemia.

Publication types

Review