Magnetic resonance complements radionuclide, echocardiographic and invasive study of the heart in sickle cell anemia

Functional adaptation and left ventricular dysfunction have been shown by invasive, echocardiographic and radionuclide studies in sickle cell anemia. The studies have documented that abnormal cardiac function does occurs in some patients. Magnetic resonance imaging confirms the presence of increased volume and mass, and further indicates that altered function of valves and localized ventricular scars may be found in some cases. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy documents altered metabolism and suggests a potential basis for the altered function is the occurrence of ischemia related to the anemia