Feasibility, reproducibility, and reliability for the T*2 iron evaluation at 3 T in comparison with 1.5 T

This study aimed to determine the feasibility, reproducibility, and reliability of the multiecho T*₂ Magnetic resonance imaging technique at 3 T for myocardial and liver iron burden quantification and the relationship between T*₂ values at 3 and 1.5 T. Thirty‐eight transfusion‐dependent patients and 20 healthy subjects were studied. Cardiac segmental and global T*₂ values were calculated after developing a correction map to compensate the artifactual T*₂ variations. The hepatic T*₂ value was determined over a region of interest. The intraoperator and interoperator reproducibility for T*₂ measurements at 3 T was good. A linear relationship was found between patients' R (1000/T*₂) values at 3 and 1.5 T. Segmental correction factors were significantly higher at 3 T. A conversion formula returning T*₂ values at 1.5 T from values at 3 T was proposed. A good diagnostic reliability for T*₂ assessment at 3 T was demonstrated. Lower limits of normal for 3 T T*₂ values were 23.3 ms, 21.1 ms, and 11.7 ms, for the global heart, mid‐ventricular septum, and liver, respectively. In conclusion, T*₂ quantification of iron burden in the mid‐ventricular septum, global heart, and no heavy–moderate livers resulted to be feasible, reproducible, and reliable at 3 T. Segmental heart T*₂ analysis at 3 T may be challenging due to significantly higher susceptibility artifacts. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.