Preliminary Diagnosis: Hemochromatosis
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis
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Non-enhanced MR imaging with T2WI and T2* GRE sequences
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of hemochromatosis.
Advantages
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MR Imaging with T2WI and T2* GRE sequences can provide best estimation of hepatic iron concentration
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No ionizing radiation
Disadvantages
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MR imaging is costly
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Time intensive
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Limited by patient cooperation and motion artifact
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
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Patients with certain implanted devices or foreign ferromagnetic devices are contraindicated for MR imaging.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
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Non-enhanced computed tomography
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of hemochromatosis.
Non-enhanced computed tomography
Advantages
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Fast, relatively inexpensive in comparison to MR imaging
Disadvantages
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Ionizing radiation exposure
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Not as accurate in quantifying liver iron deposition
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Findings of hemochromatosis on CT included increased liver density; other conditions, such as amiodarone deposition, gold therapy, and certain glycogen storage diseases, can also cause increased liver density.
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
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None
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