Ultrasonographic Screening for Early Detection of Premature Atherosclerosis in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Iron overload and persistent anemia are common consequences for people with 
transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Premature atherosclerosis may be an underappreciated 
cardiovascular risk in this group, according to recent data. The effectiveness of 
ultrasonographic screening, namely carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) assessment, as a 
non-invasive technique for the early identification of atherosclerotic alterations is examined in 
this work.