CT Finding of Transfusional Hemosiderosis in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure: Clinical Correlation

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether there is any correlation between the CT features of hemosiderosis and clinical findings in patients with chronic renal failure who have received multiple blood transfusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among chronic renal failure patients who had undergone long-term dialysis and received multiple blood transfusions, CT findings in 16 cases in which increased liver attenuation was seen on images obtained for other purpose, were analyzed by three radiologic specialists. The attenuation values of liver, spleen and pancreas compared with that of back muscle were correlated with the amount and duration of transfusion, and blood ferritin level. RESULTS: In 15 of these 16 case, blood ferritin level was examined; 14 showed more than 300ng/ml. Increased attenuation of the spleen was noted in 11 cases, and of the pancreas, in six. All these six also showed increased value for the spleen; the amount of blood transfusion was less than 40 units in three case and more than 40 units in the other three. None showed glucose intolerance. Between the two groups, there were no statistically significant difference in the amount and duration of transfusion, or blood ferritin level. CONCLUSION: There is no correlation between the CT features of hemosiderosis and clinical findings. In patients with chronic renal failure and no clinical symptoms, the status of iron overload was relatively easily detected on CT. Close observation of CT findings is thus thought to prevent significant permanent functional deformity of organs in patients with chronic renal failure who have received multiple blood transfusions.