Learning Centre
Take control of your health with proactive imaging solutions.
Resonance Health team is committed to empowering patients with insights into their liver health. Our innovative imaging technology provides invaluable diagnostic information, enabling informed decisions about lifestyle and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is iron overload and how to manage it?
Despite the protective measures, excessive iron absorption can lead to a perilous situation. Concentrations of iron rise to levels where biomolecules are insufficient to bind it safely. This results in the release of non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI), a toxic form that can wreak havoc on organs such as the heart and pancreas. Liver, pancreas, and heart damage are potential consequences of iron overload, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining a delicate iron balance within the body.
If excess iron is allowed to accumulate, it can deposit in organs such as the liver and eventually the heart, leading to potentially severe health complications. The liver is the main site of iron storage in the body, so an accurate measurement of liver iron concentration (LIC) enables doctors to determine the most appropriate treatment to remove the iron, manage further deposition, and prevent organ damage.
How can Liver Iron Concentration (LIC) be measured accurately?
FerriScan is the global gold standard for accurate liver iron concentration (LIC) measurement over the entire LIC range based on a non-invasive MRI method replaced the old “gold standard” of liver biopsy. Other methods tend to be confounded by a lot of known or unknown factors with limited success.
Are iron overload disorders?
Hemochromatosis; is a genetic disorder characterised by excessive absorption and accumulation of iron in the body. In individuals with hemochromatosis, the body absorbs more iron than it needs and stores it in various organs and tissues, particularly the liver, pancreas, heart, and joints. Over time, this excess iron can lead to organ damage and dysfunction.
Other disorders include, Thalassaemia, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), Anaemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Transfusion Dependant Blood Cancers and Bone Marrow Failure Disorders.
Can the human body excrete iron?
The human body lacks a mechanism to excrete iron, meaning that once iron is absorbed, it remains within our system, with exceptions being blood loss or cellular turnover. Consequently, iron levels are primarily regulated during the absorption phase, dictated by the amount of iron passing through our intestine. This control over absorption underscores the significance of maintaining a delicate balance, as a healthy individual typically harbors between four and six grams of iron.
Are advanced technologies for measuring iron levels widely available for hemochromatosis patients?
Currently, these technologies are not widely available, but the landscape is rapidly evolving. Several challenges hinder widespread availability, including the need for expertise in training radiographers and radiologists, meticulous quality control during image acquisition, and precise data analysis. Specialised knowledge in physics is essential for understanding and optimising parameters on MRI scanners, which play a crucial role in accurate iron measurements. While adjusting settings on a digital camera involves a few parameters, MRI scanners boast numerous parameters that require careful calibration to avoid inaccuracies. Therefore, stringent quality assurance measures are essential to ensure reliable results.
What is cirrhosis of the liver?
Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic and progressive condition characterised by scarring of the liver tissue. This scarring impairs liver function and can lead to serious complications. Cirrhosis can be caused by various factors, including chronic alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B and C), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver diseases, and certain genetic disorders.
What are the symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver?
Symptoms of cirrhosis can vary but may include fatigue, weakness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itching, swelling in the abdomen or legs, easy bruising or bleeding, and confusion or difficulty concentrating.
How is cirrhosis of the liver diagnosed?
Diagnosis of cirrhosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests to assess liver function, imaging studies (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI), and sometimes a liver biopsy to examine liver tissue.
How is cirrhosis of the liver treated?
Treatment for cirrhosis focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preventing complications. This may involve lifestyle changes (such as abstaining from alcohol and maintaining a healthy diet), medications to manage symptoms and complications, and in some cases, liver transplantation. Early detection and intervention are key to improving outcomes for individuals with cirrhosis.
What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)?
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a condition characterised by the accumulation of fat in the liver, not caused by excessive alcohol consumption. It encompasses a spectrum of liver conditions ranging from simple fatty liver to more severe forms of liver inflammation and damage.
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is a more advanced form of NAFLD characterised by liver inflammation and liver cell damage, in addition to the accumulation of fat in the liver. NASH can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
What is it like to have a FerriScan or FerriSmart scan?
The procedure is completely non-invasive, requiring no injections or contrast agents. Patients lie down on a bed with a radio antenna placed on their abdomen to receive signals. They are provided with earmuffs or headphones to protect their ears from loud scanner noises.
What happens during the MRI scan?
Patients are slid into the scanner tube by the radiographer, who then adjusts the settings. During the approximately 10-minute scan, patients are asked to lie still and breathe gently while data are acquired. Some patients may find the rhythmic knocking noises unsettling.
How can nervous or claustrophobic patients cope with the MRI scan?
Tips for nervous patients include recognising that the scanner tube is open at both ends, ensuring plenty of fresh air and the ability to communicate with the radiographer through headphones. Patients are given a device to signal discomfort, can request to enter the scanner feet first, and may opt for a blindfold or closed eyes during the scan. Additionally, patients can request soothing music to help them relax.