Iron overload in paediatric oncology: the role of radiology in diagnosing and monitoring secondary haemochromatosis.

Secondary haemochromatosis among paediatric oncologic patients is associated with various long-term complications. The liver is the most important organ for assessment of iron overload because the iron concentration is linearly correlated with total body iron stores. In the paediatric population, liver biopsy is considered too invasive for routine use. Therefore, evaluation of iron overload with magnetic resonance imaging is an alternative method. Reliable assessment of iron burden is necessary for early detection and severity grading. In the last 2 decades multiple methods for iron quantification with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been developed. Both gradient-echo and spin-echo imaging, including signal intensity ratio and relaxometry strategies, are in clinical use. However, there are no universally accepted MRI protocols for paediatric oncology patients suspected of secondary haemochromatosis. If diagnosed and treated early, haemochromatosis progression can be distinctively altered. Iron overload impacts hepatocytes, pancreas's beta cells, heart, and spleen. Each organ displays distinct patterns of iron distribution, which require targeted imaging methods. This review will address the importance of using magnetic resonance imaging for iron measurements, as well as the evaluation for the liver, pancreas, and spleen.