RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM FERRITIN LEVELS WITH R2* PANCREAS VALUE USING 3T MRI IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH β-THALASSEMIA

Thalassemia encompasses a group of genetic disorders caused by reduced synthesis of hemoglobin (Hb) alpha or beta chains. R2* measurements reliably indicate the magnetic susceptibility of tissues and are consistent despite variations in iron deposition. These measurements, completed in a single breath hold, maintain a linear relationship between R2* values and iron levels across the physiological range, unaffected by long-range magnetic interference. There is a scarcity of studies on serum ferritin levels and pancreatic R2* values using 3T MRI in Indonesia. Hence, we aim to assess this correlation in pediatric thalassemia patients. This observational study, conducted from March to April 2024 in our radiology department, employs a cross-sectional approach to evaluate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and pancreatic R2* values using 3T MRI in pediatric patients with β-thalassemia. A total of 33 patients were included, with samples collected consecutively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v26 software. The study found no significant statistical relationship between age, gender, duration of transfusion, and serum ferritin levels or pancreatic R2* values. However, a strong positive correlation was identified between serum ferritin levels and pancreatic R2* values, with a p-value of <0.001 and an r-value of 0.647. In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between serum ferritin levels and pancreatic R2* values in pediatric patients with β-thalassemia, indicated by the observation that higher serum ferritin levels correspond to higher R2* values in the pancreas.