Abstract: Objective To assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging T2* tests in the detection of myocardial and liver iron
overload in patients with β-thalassemia major (β-TM). Methods From 2010 to 2011, 28 β-TM patients over 10 years old under
blood transfusion therapy and chelation care with serum ferritin (SF) >1000 μg/L underwent myocardial and liver MRI T2*
tests on a voluntary basis. The results were analyzed in relation with age, SF, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
Results Fourteen out of the 28 cases（50%）were found to have myocardial iron overload, including 7 severe cases, 2 moderate
cases, and 5 mild cases. All the 28 cases had liver iron overload, including 2 mild cases, 7 moderate cases, and 19 severe cases.
Two out of the 28 cases had lowered LVEF (7.14%), and one of them had severe myocardial iron overload. There was a negative
correlation between myocardial MRI T2* and SF (r=-0.479, P=0.01). Myocardial MRI T2* was positively correlated with liver
MRI T2* (r=0.378, P=0.047). Age was not significantly correlated with SF, LVEF, or liver MRI T2*. Conclusion Magnetic
resonance imaging (T2*) detection is an effective and non-invasive means for detecting myocardial and liver iron overload in
patients with β-thalassemia major receiving blood transfusion. T2* combined with SF is the main diagnostic indicator to assess
iron overload in the vital organs.