FerriScan is a new technology for non-invasive measurement of liver iron concentration (LIC). It is done through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient's liver to accurately measure the liver iron concentration.
The FerriScan method for measuring liver iron concentration has three simple steps:
1. A set of images of the liver are produced by an MRI Scanner
2. Images are sent to FerriScan Server at Australia via the internet
3. A liver iron concentration report sent from Australia within 2 days
In the past, liver iron concentration was only able to be measured by liver needle biopsy — an invasive and often painful procedure. FerriScan is the alternative, more accurate non-invasive test that is a safer, painless and quicker procedure.
Why FerriScan in Thalassaemia?
Severe form of thalassaemia i.e. Beta thalassemia and Hb-E beta thalassaemia requires regular blood transfusion at 2-4 weeks interval which results in toxic iron accumulation.
Currently serum ferritin is done to measure the iron overload in thalassaemia patient. However, it is not an absolute measure and it is often incorrect in thalassaemia intermedia and in presence of liver disease.
Liver iron concentration is the most accurate measure of total body iron store. It is highly correlated with clinical consequences given below. Knowing the exact liver iron concentration is a great advantage for precise planning and optimisation of iron chelation therapy.
Liver biopsy had been done yearly on thalassaemia patients in America and Europe to optimise iron chelation therapy. Now a day, FerriScan replaced liver biopsy because it is non-invasive, painless, safe and more accurate.
Who should be referred for FerriScan?
Measurement of LIC using FerriScan is indicated for individuals who would benefit from the following:
* A definitive diagnosis of iron overload
* An effective means to monitor the liver iron burden as part of treatment (e.g. chelation)
Patient benefits of using FerriScan
FerriScan offers key benefits for patients in the detection and measurement of iron overload. Benefits to patients include;
* Painless and safe test for accurate diagnosis of LIC
* Less risk and greater accuracy than liver biopsy
* Reduced anxiety and waiting times for results
* Early detection can prevent damage from iron overload
* Ability to plan ahead for treatment — less impact on quality of life
* Ability to measure treatment effectiveness more regularly and accurately
Clinical benefits of using FerriScan
FerriScan provides clinicians with the following key benefits:
* Provision of a baseline measurement of the precise concentration and distribution of iron in the liver
* Assistance in acquiring a definitive iron overloads diagnosis
* Ability to achieve optimised treatment that is matched to the exact level of iron loading to produce positive outcomes
* Assistance in assessing risk for fibrosis and scarring of the liver of hemochromatosis patients in the absence of other factors such as viral hepatitis or alcohol abuse
How often can patients have the FerriScan LIC measurement?
FerriScan MRI can be used at any time interval for the regular monitoring of treatment. Whilst no contrast agent is required for FerriScan, clinicians should indicate if a patient has received a contrast agent within a 3 month period prior to taking the FerriScan test.
Where it can be done?
FerriScan is available in few locations in the world. Bangladesh Thalassaemia Foundation (BTF) has introduced this latest technology in Bangladesh in collaboration with Ibn Sina Trust, Bangladesh and ResonanceHealth, Australia.
Bangladesh Thalassaemia Foundation is located at 44/2 Chamelibagh, Shantinagar, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh. Phone: 88-02-8332481, 88-011-90540191 Email: [email protected], Web: www.thals.org