Evaluation of a web-based network for reproducible T2* MRI assessment of iron overload in thalassemia

PurposeTo build and evaluate a national network able to improve the care of thalassemia, a genetic disorder in haemoglobin synthesis often associated with iron accumulation in a variety of organs, due to the continuous blood transfusions.MethodsThe MIOT (Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia) network is constituted by thalassemia and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) centers. Thalassemia centers are responsible for patient recruitment and collection of anamnestic and clinical data. MRI centers have been equipped with a standardized acquisition technique and an affordable workstation for image analysis. They are able to perform feasible and reproducible heart and liver iron overload assessments for a consistent number of thalassemia patients in a robust manner. All centers are linked by a web-based network, configured to collect and share patient data.ResultsOn 30th March 2008, 695 thalassemia patients were involved in the network. The completion percentage of the patient records in the database was 85 ± 6.5%. Six hundred and thirteen patients (88%) successfully underwent MRI examination. Each MRI center had a specific absorption capacity that remained constant over time, but the network was capable of sustaining an increasing number of patients due to continuous enrollment of new centers. The patient's comfort, assessed as the mean distance from the patient home locations to the MRI centers, significantly increased during the network's evolution.ConclusionThe MIOT network seems to be a robust and scalable system in which T2* MRI-based cardiac and liver iron overload assessment is available, accessible and reachable for a significant and increasing number of thalassemia patients in Italy (about 420 per year), reducing the mean distance from the patient locations to the MRI sites from 951 km to 387 km. A solid, wide and homogeneous database will constitute an important scientific resource, shortening the time scale for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutical evidence-based research on the management of thalassemia disease.