Application 1131 - Assessment of Liver Iron by R2-MRI data analysis
Application No. | 1131 |
Application Name | Assessment of Liver Iron by R2-MRI data analysis |
Description of Procedure or Test | This application is for a service that uses measurements from MRI images to calculate iron concentration in the liver. The majority of transfusion dependent patients have thalassaemia major, a genetic disorder characterised by defective haemoglobin production. Sufferers require regular blood transfusions, and consequently receive excess iron which accumulates causing irreversible tissue damage. The service is designed to optimise iron chelating therapy, a treatment used to remove excess iron from the body, by providing accurate liver iron measurements to determine optimal chelation dose. The service uses data collected from a standard MRI scanner that are then electronically transferred to a central, offsite, facility for analysis and report (No MRI image is required). The software application is intended to be used in-house as a measuring device, and does not come into direct contact with patients. The service is indicated for individuals with, or suspected of, systemic iron overload where:
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Advisory Panel | Prof Richard Fox MSAC Member (until 31/12/2010) Chair Oncology Dr Judy Soper MSAC Member (until 30/06/2009) Deputy Chair Neuroradiology Ms Jane Lampitsi CHF Nominee Dr Barbara Leggett Gastroenterology Dr Stephen Drew RANZCR Nominee Dr Rob Lindeman RCPA nominee |
| Date Received by MSAC Secretariat | 4 July 2008 |
| Stage 1 - Eligibility | Eligible |
| Stage 2 - Assessment | Completed |
| Stage 3 - Formulation of Advice to the Minister | On the strength of the available evidence for safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, MSAC does not support public funding for assessment of hepatic iron content by analysis of R2-MRI data obtained from scans of the liver. |
| Stage 4 - Decision Noting of MSAC advice by the Minister does not constitute a final decision in relation to the provision of public funding | The Minister noted MSAC's advice 18 October 2010 |
| Stage 5 - Implementation |  |
Page currency, Latest update: 12 January, 2011
