Optimal method for early detection of cardiac disorders in thalassemia major patients: magnetic resonance imaging or echocardiography?

Background: Heart failure resulting from myocardial iron deposition is the most important cause of death in β-thalassemia major (TM) patients. Cardiac T2*magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), echocardiography, and serum ferritin level serve as diagnostic methods for detecting myocardial iron overload. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the above-mentioned methods.

Late cardiotoxic effects of anthracycline chemotherapy in childhood malignancies.

Objective: To determine the frequency of changes in left ventricular function in patients, at least 5 years after completion of anthracycline-therapy for childhood malignancy.

Methods: Echocardiographic examination was performed on 58 patients (36 males and 22 females) with mean age of 17.5+/-4.

Aggressive intra-abdominal fibromatosis in children and response to chemotherapy.

Intra-abdominal fibromatosis (IAF) is a rare benign neoplasm arising from the abdominal fibrous tissue, mostly in the mesentery. IAF is characterized by a tendency to infiltrate the surrounding vessels and vital structures and recurrence after usually incomplete surgical removal. Accordingly, IAF is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality.