Radionuclide evaluation of hemocatheretic function in a group of thalassemic patients after splenic embolization

Seven patients with thalassemia major underwent splenic embolization in order to assess splenic mass and function before and after treatment. Red blood cells, marked ''in vitro'' and chemically denatured with BMHP were also used to assess the blood parameters related to splenic function i.e. pretransfusional haemoglobin (Nb) and mean blood consumption (BC). The results show a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) for Hb and erythrocyte clearance before and after embolization. Before embolization no statistically significant correlations were found between the parameters examined, whereas after embolization there was a linear correlation at the limit of significance between BC and clearance halftime. The radionuclide method is proposed as safe and reproducible. Unlike blood chemical tests it also provides immediate information on the effects of embolization and a reliable parameter for follow-up