Radiology and imaging update
New MRI Technique Detects Genetic
Condition That Attacks the Heart, Brain, Nerves
Oct. 2, 2013 — A genetic condition that attacks multiple organs and usually results
in fatal heart problems can be detected using a new MRI technique that
was developed at the
University of Alberta. The discovery of this new diagnostic tool has
resulted in updated clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Fabry disease in
Canada.
Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry researchers Gavin Oudit
and Richard Thompson worked with Faculty colleagues Kelvin Chow and Alicia Chan
on the discovery, as well as Aneal Khan from the University of Calgary. The
findings were recently published in the peer-reviewed journal, Circulation --
Cardiovascular Imaging, and involved 31 Alberta patients who have the disease.
Thompson
and trainee Chow developed the MRI technique known as T1 mapping which
can detect heart damage and changes at early stages -- earlier than regular MRI
scans or ultrasound. When this type of MRI is used on patients with Fabry
disease, the scans can detect both the disease and the severity of damage to
the heart. The T1 mapping
method developed by Thompson's group can be easily programmed onto MRIs around
the world.
"This test can uniquely identify Fabry disease by
detecting microscopic changes in the heart muscle structure that are not
visible on regular images," says Thompson, who works in the Department of
Biomedical Engineering. "Fabry disease can look like other diseases if you
only look at the whole heart structure or function, but this T1 mapping test,
that can detect the tiniest changes in the heart, could identify all the
patients with Fabry disease."
Oudit added: "It is very likely that this technique
will become a key part in clinical examination of patients with Fabry disease.
This finding will advance the clinical care of these patients around the world.
The implications will be widespread.
"Heart disease is the number one cause of death for
patients with Fabry disease. The earlier the disease can be pinpointed, the
sooner treatment can start. The treatment for the disease halts the condition
and prevents serious damage to the heart."
Fabry disease is a genetic metabolic condition that destroys
the enzyme involved in fat metabolism. This enzyme breaks down fat so without
it, those with the disease accumulate deadly fat deposits in their heart,
kidneys and brain. The condition affects 1 in 1,500 to 3,000 people, but was
originally thought to be a rare disease. Some countries now screen newborns for
the condition that costs $200,000 a year to treat through monthly infusions
called enzyme replacement therapy. Symptoms of the disease include: heart
failure, thickened walls of the heart, exercise intolerance, fluid buildup in
the legs, blackouts, inability to lie down, strokes, tingling in the hands and
feet, and changes in skin pigmentation.
It is estimated that about 1,000 Albertans are living with
the disease but not everyone who has the condition has been diagnosed.
Sometimes people will see scores of kidney and heart specialists for years
before anyone diagnoses the condition. Men can have a blood test to identify
the condition, while women -- who may also carry the disease without showing
symptoms -- need to undergo genetic testing. The T1 mapping test can both
pinpoint the disease and assess damage to the heart.
Oudit says the discovery of the new MRI technique "is a
wonderful story of collaboration -- of patients, clinicians, scientists and
industry working together to find a new diagnostic tool." Oudit is a heart
failure specialist who works in the Division of Cardiology in the Department of
Medicine at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
"As an organization, we are excited to be part of these
developments through the research from the University of Alberta," says
Mauro Chies, acting vice-president of clinical supports for Alberta Health
Services. "This is a significant advancement in the detection of disease
in a non-invasive environment for our patients. We hope to be able to advance
these sequences on our MRIs in the near future, and look for ways to use it to
evaluate and detect other disease conditions."
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