Evaluation of cardiac fibrosis and subclinical cardiac changes in children with sickle cell disease using magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and serum galectin-3.

Diffuse interstitial myocardial fibrosis can be detected early in children with sickle cell disease using T1 mapping and is associated with a high frequency of vaso-occlusive crisis. MPI of the left ventricle and serum galectin-3 are recommended screening tools for subclinical cardiac abnormalities.