Imaging features of thalassemia

Thalassemia is a kind of chronic, inherited, microcytic anemia characterize d by defective hemoglobin synthesis and ineffective erythropoiesis. In all thalassemias clinical features that result from anemia, transfusional, and absorptive iron overload are similar but vary in severity. The radiographic features of beta-thalassemia are due in large part to marrow hyperplasia. Markedly expanded marrow space lead to various skeletal manifestations incl uding spine, skull, facial, bones, and ribs. Extramedullary hematopoiesis ( ExmH), hemosiderosis, and cholelithiasis are among the non-skeletal manifes tations of thalassemia. The skeletal X-ray findings show characteristics of chronic overactivity of the marrow. In this article both skeletal and non- skeletal manifestations of thalassemia are discussed with an overview of X- ray findings, including MRI and CT findings.