T2* is the only method for monitoring the iron load in the heart, and is an extremely important test, as heart failure is the main cause of death in thals. Knowing the T2* score can help in designing a chelation program based on the needs of that patient. Many patients who show a ferritin that does not look dangerous, will still have a low T2* score and will need a more intense chelation routine and combination chelation when possible. The combination of deferiprone (Kelfer or Ferriprox) and desferal is the most effective at lowering a high iron load and restoring normal heart function. The T2* test is the only way to know what the iron load in the heart is so that corrective measures can be taken to bring patients out of danger concerning heart failure. The importance of this cannot be understated.
Resonance Health is now offering a combined service of liver Ferriscan and heart T2*. This is based on one reading. More about this can be seen at
http://content.resonancehealth.com/000104.pdf and a list of locations can be found at
http://www.resonancehealth.com/resonance/FindCentresT2* is available in cities like Mumbai and Singapore and I am sure many more locations. Our member, Nur has had a T2* in Singapore, and perhaps can provide the cost.