Transfusion frequency, ferritin, and carotid intima media thickness in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients.

The carotid tunica intima-media thickness (cIMT) is an early marker of atherosclerosis and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction also contributed with the increased cardiovascular risk in thalassemia caused by iron accumulation, reduced nitric oxide, and increased lipid peroxidation. Studies about atherosclerosis markers in thalassemia patients show inconsistent results.