NCT04927429 · National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Technical Development of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
What this study is about
Background: In the U.S., over 6.5 million people have heart failure. Researchers want to develop new testing methods for cardiovascular problems using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve the clinical diagnosis and management of people with heart failure. Objective: To develop and test new methods for imaging the heart and blood vessels using MRI.
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Background: In the U.S., over 6.5 million people have heart failure. Researchers want to develop new testing methods for cardiovascular problems using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve the clinical diagnosis and management of people with heart failure. Objective: To develop and test new methods for imaging the heart and blood vessels using MRI. Eligibility: People ages 18 years and older who are having an MRI of their heart or blood vessels. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history. Participants will have a physical exam and blood tests. They will have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart s electrical activity. Then they will have their scheduled MRI scan. The MRI scanner is a large, hollow tube. Participants will lie on a table that moves in and out of the tube. During the MRI, they may have contrast dye injected through an intravenous line inserted into their arm or hand. ECG may be used to monitor their heartbeat or coordinate pictures with their heartbeat. A flexible belt may be used to monitor their breathing. A finger probe may be used to track their heart rate and/or oxygenation level. Their blood pressure may be measured. Pictures may be taken of their blood vessels, heart, and lungs before, during, and after they get medicine to increase blood flow. They may lie flat and pedal a stress bicycle to increase their heart rate. Participation will last for 5 years. During that time, participants may receive a yearly survey about their health. They may be contacted for an optional follow-up MRI within 2 years of their MRI.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Group A: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form by subject
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
- Male or female, 18 years or older
- Subjects undergoing a clinically indicated MRI examination. Examples of medical indications include known or suspected heart failure or cardiomyopathy, chest pain with known or suspected coronary artery disease, unexplained dyspnea, valve disease, known or suspected congenital heart disease, cardiac masses and known or suspected aortic disease, exposure to cardiotoxic drugs, and systemic illnesses with known associated cardiovascular involvement. Group B, Healthy volunteers enrolled for developmental testing and establishing reference values for the custom pulse sequences. In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
- Male or female, 18 years or older
Exclusion criteria
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Unable to undergo magnetic resonance imaging because of:
- Central nervous system aneurysm clips
- Implanted neural stimulator
- Implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
- Cochlear implant
- Ocular foreign body (e.g. metal shavings)
- Implanted Insulin pump
- Metal shrapnel or bullet unless any of the above objects have been cleared as safe for MRI according to the assessment present as clinical routine at the site.
- For examinations that include contrast injection of GBCA: \-- renal excretory dysfunction, estimated glomerular filtration rate \<= 30 mL/min/1.73m(2) body surface area.(estimated glomerular filtration rate is only determined according to the institutional guidelines of patients at risk of renal dysfunction and may also depend upon the dose of GBCA administered). \-- Known allergic reactions to GBCA \-- Subjects may still be invited for non-contrast enhanced examinations or undergo MR examination with ferumoxytol as contrast agent. . For examinations that include contrast injection of ferumoxytol \-- Known allergic reactions to ferumoxytol or to mannitol excipient
- For subjects with a planned pharmacological stress test with adenosine or regadenoson the following contraindications will be considered as exclusion criteria: --Bronchospastic lung disease with ongoing wheezing or history of significant reactive airway disease --Second- or third- degree atrioventricular blood, sinus node disease without a functioning MR conditional pacemaker --Systolic blood pressure \< 90 mmHg --Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP \> 200 mmHg or diastolic BP \> 110 mmHg) --Recent (\< 48hr) use of dipyridamole of dipyridamole- containing medications --Known hypersensitivity to adenosine or regadenoson.
- Unstable angina, acute coronary syndrome, or less than 2- 4 days after an acute myocardial infarction
- For regadenoson only: seizure disorder as regadenoson may lower seizure threshold. Aminophylline should not be used in cases of seizures associated with Regadenoson.
- Pregnant Women.
- Lactating Women for administration of GBCA unless the subjects is willing to discard the milk for 24 hours after receiving gadolinium In addition, the following exclusion criteria pertains to Group B, healthy volunteers to be considered for reference values:
- Known history of major illness, including, but not limited to having a hypertension diagnosis in need of anti-hypertensive medication, myocardial infarction, diabetes, familial hypercholesterolemia, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, moderate or severe valvular disease, cerebrovascular insult or peripheral vascular disease, symptoms of angina or dyspnea, current smoker.
- Decisionally impaired individuals
Where
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Bethesda, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations