Ferriscan Results - Thalforum

SophiaG · March 10th, 2010, 01:52 PM

My apologies if I'm not posting this in the correct catergory.

Does anyone know if Ferriscan results vs Liver Biopsy results are similar in nature when it comes to Liver Iron Concentration.I was given results of 8.9, which I know if was livery biopsy results would be considered excellent...

Any help anyone?

Narendra · March 18th, 2010, 11:31 AM

Hello Sophia,

Sorry to answer this post a little late. Attached is the pdf for Ferriscan results and will help you understand to interpret the scan. For your reading (8.9), I think it falls under the table that shows threshold 7.0 which reads

Quote:

"Suggested upper limit of optimal range for LICs for transfusional Fe overload and threshold for increased risk of iron-overload complications"

Please talk to your doctor and adjust your chelation threapy to best suite your needs.

Narendra · March 18th, 2010, 11:36 AM

Sophia,

Can you send me a private message with your email address, so that I can send you the pdf file? The upload is failing when trying to attach the file.

Neel_R · March 19th, 2010, 11:23 AM

Hi Sophia,

Is this FerrisScan or similar technology that your clinic has come up with?

Cheers,
Neel

SophiaG · March 20th, 2010, 10:25 PM

Hi Neel,

The ferriscan is the T2* (MRI) that was installed into the Toronto General Hospital to replace the liver biopsy. It takes a picture of your livery to determine what your liver iron concentration is and to detect where and how much iron is in the liver.
Based on my results, Im just over normal, so dr's put me on exjade which I found a way to tolerate so its ok for now. How are you doing?

Narendra, thanks for the information!

Neel_R · March 22nd, 2010, 02:59 PM

I am doing good, busy with the little ones! How about you?

I am having my MRI done tommorow then Biopsy on Wednesday. Our Hospital came up with the same type of technology, but needs some patients to confirm that the scans are accurate.

Ferriscan is apparently quite expensive.

SophiaG · March 22nd, 2010, 03:42 PM

Hey,

Im doing good as well. Definitely busy with little ones as well and in the midst of a move as well, so busy busy!

It's so interesting how hospitals work differently in every province. My Thal doctor said biopsys are a waste as he feels they dont give an overall picture of liver iron concentration like the ferriscan. He says the biopsy tests only a piece of the liver where as the ferriscan gives an overall picture of the liver and is able to detect where all the iron is and gives an average.

I'm not sure how much ferriscan costs as I assumed OHIP covered it, Ive never been asked to pay out of pocket for mine,

babylegs · March 27th, 2010, 07:15 PM

I am also having an MRI done on my liver at the end of April...

any advice?

Schelby · April 20th, 2010, 06:43 PM

Do you also have the scan of your heart? I have both done yearly at the children's hospital here in Chicago. They feel it is accurate.