Reveal cortical abnormalities by quantitative synthetic MRI in children with beta-thalassemia

Beta-thalassemia (β-TM) is a chronic blood disorder presenting with severe anemia. However, the abnormalities of microstructure in cortical regions are still unclear. Herein, we explored the difference of quantitative MRI parameters in gray matter between β-TM patients and healthy controls. The results showed that altered T1 and T2 values in specific gray matter in β-TM patients, which may be associated with alteration in brain gray matter, such as reduced myelin content and excessive iron deposition. Thus, T1 and T2 quantitative variables may be promising imaging markers for further exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms of β-TM.