A 23 year old male with sickle cell anemia and frequent blood transfusions referred to cardiac MRI to assess left ventricular function and iron overload. Left VentricleThe left ventricle is mildly dilated with low normal systolic function. The overall LV ejection fraction is 54%, the LV end diastolic volume index is 107 ml/m2 (normal range: 74+/-15), the LVEDV is 190 ml (normal range 142+/-34), the LV end systolic volume index is 49 ml/m2 (normal range 25+/-9), the LVESV is 88 ml (normal range 47+/-19), the LV mass index is 67 g/m2 (normal range 85+/-15), and the LV mass is 120 g (normal range 164+/-36). There are no regional wall motion abnormalities present. Measured T2* is 34 for the myocardium and 14 for the liver. The myocardial T2* is consistent with no evidence of myocardial iron overload. There is evidence of iron in the liver.Left AtriumThe left atrium is normal in size. Right VentricleThe right ventricle is mildly dilated with normal systolic function. The overall RV ejection fraction is 50%, the RV end diastolic volume index is 116 ml/m2 (normal range 82+/-16), the RVEDV is 207 ml (normal range 142+/-31), the RV end systolic volume index is 58 ml/m2 (normal range 31+/-9), and the RVESV is 103 ml (normal range 54+/-17).Right AtriumThe right atrium is normal in size.Aortic ValveThe aortic valve opens widely and there is no significant aortic regurgitation.Mitral ValveThe mitral valve opens widely and there is no significant mitral regurgitation.Pulmonic ValveThe pulmonic valve opens widely. There is no significant pulmonic regurgitation.Tricuspid ValveThe tricuspid valve opens widely. There is no significant tricuspid regurgitation.AortaThere is a left sided aortic arch with a normal brachiocephalic branching pattern. The aortic root is normal in size.Pulmonary VeinsAll four pulmonary veins drain normally into the left atrium.Pulmonary ArteryThe main pulmonary artery is normal in size.Venous AnatomyThe SVC and IVC are normal in size and drain normally into the right atrium.Extracardiac FindingsThis study is not designed for the specific evaluation of extra-cardiac findings; therefore, the differentiation between artifacts and real extracardiac pathology may be difficult. If clinically indicated, a separate dedicated evaluation should be considered.
1. The left ventricle is mildly dilated with low normal systolic function. The overall LV ejection fraction is 54%2. The right ventricle is mildly dilated with normal systolic function. The overall RV ejection fraction is 50%3. No evidence of myocardial iron overload. 