Imaging Features of Thalassemia

Abstract

Thalassemia is a group of blood disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Patients with thalassemia can present with various clinical and imaging findings, including growth disturbances, bone changes, and hepatobiliary and splenic manifestations. Imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosing thalassemia, monitoring disease progression, and assessing complications. To understand the imaging findings and their correlations, it is important for radiologists to have a solid knowledge of the clinical and laboratory aspects of this condition. The severity of hemolytic anemia varies among different thalassemia syndromes, determined by the underlying molecular defects. Studying the imaging findings will help in understanding chronic hypoxia and the apparent marrow expansion frequently seen in patients with thalassemia. Additionally, the signs of ineffective hematopoiesis can also be appreciated. Given that thalassemia remains prevalent in many countries worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean region, early diagnosis and regular check-ups using imaging become crucial for maintaining the quality of life for affected individuals. This article discusses the radiographic features of thalassemia, including examples from our daily practice of classic imaging findings in patients with thalassemia.