The Role of Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

Sci Rep. 2018 Sep 7;8(1):13458. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-31547-7.

Abstract

In PNH thromboembolic events (TEs) represent the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Between Dec 2013 and Jan 2016 37 PNH patients (pts) (23 PNH, 14 AA/PNH; 51% (19/37) females; median age 44 years, median D-dimer levels 0.22 mg/l) were examined with a whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) scan at 1.5 T to detect TEs. Pts were treated according to German PNH guidelines, including eculizumab therapy. 64% (24/37) of the pts had no documented TEs prior to observation. Two pts had suspected TEs in their clinical history. 29% of the pts (11/37) had a known history of venous thromboses (deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (5/11), portal venous thrombosis (PVT) (4/11), vena caval thrombosis (VCT) (2/11). A myocardial infarction was reported in one pt, and two had a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) or a thalamic infarction. Six pts (16%) had at least two prior TEs. In pts with prior TEs no progression of the existing TEs was observed. In pts on eculizumab and prior TEs as well as treatment-naïve pts silent bone and renal infarctions were detected. Furthermore, a clinically non-critical arterial occlusion was identified. WB-MRI scans present a novel, non-invasive method to assess the complete vascular status of PNH pts and allow the detection of previously undiagnosed vascular complications, affecting treatment indications and regimens.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / complications
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thromboembolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Thromboembolism / etiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • eculizumab