Perspectum Diagnostics have just released study findings that use MRI technology to identify genetic causes of high liver iron.

Researchers from Perspectum Diagnostics, together with the University of Westminster, University College London as well as Lund University in Sweden, were used MRI technology to quantify liver-iron content. The new LiverMultiScan technology allows this to occur in a non-invasive manner.

This new study released shows that the causes of elevated liver iron are systemic rather than liver-specific, with the same genes associated with other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Chief Executive at Haemochromatosis UK, Neil McClements comments, “Excess iron is a silent–and often deadly–cause of liver disease. This study underlines the value to patients of rapidly identifying elevated liver iron through non-invasive MRI screening. Faster diagnosis is a significant benefit to people affected by genetic haemochromatosis, the UK’s most prevalent underdiagnosed genetic condition. Early diagnosis of iron overload caused by genetic haemochromatosis saves lives.”

>> Link to article by Perspectum and full study