MRI Screening for Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Who Have Received Multiple Red Blood Cell Transfusions

T2* Cardiac MRI Screening of Highly Transfused Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndrome

A known risk of red blood cell transfusions is that it puts excess iron into the patient's body. Researchers are continually seeking the most effective method of measuring iron concentration. The purpose of this study is to determine how much iron has been deposited in a patient's heart and liver as a result of having received red blood cell transfusions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or Female patients will need documentation of diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome by previous bone marrow exam
• Male or female patients with MDS who have received at least 50 units of Red Blood Cell Transfusions.
• Serum ferritin > 1,000
• Written informed consent by the patient.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindication to MRI, including cardiac pacemaker, brain aneurysm clip, implanted neurostimulator, insulin pump, cochlear implant, metal slivers in the eyes, intrauterine device or any other MRI incompatible metal implants or intractable claustrophobia.