NCT02973633 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Diffusion MRI in Heart Failure
What this study is about
The development of symptomatic heart failure is frequently preceded by a pre-clinical period of structural remodeling in the heart. The remodeling process driving this transition, however, remains poorly understood. The investigators hypothesize that imaging the diffusion of water in the heart with MRI will allow its microstructure to be resolved.
View original scientific description
The development of symptomatic heart failure is frequently preceded by a pre-clinical period of structural remodeling in the heart. The remodeling process driving this transition, however, remains poorly understood. The investigators hypothesize that imaging the diffusion of water in the heart with MRI will allow its microstructure to be resolved. The investigators further hypothesize that the characterization of microstructural changes in the heart will help elucidate the pathogenesis of heart failure and the transition from a compensated to a decompensated state. Patients with recent myocardial infarcts and left ventricular hypertrophy, who are at risk for the development of heart failure, will be enrolled. The participants will undergo serial diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) imaging of the heart to characterize changes in myocardial microstructure over time.
Interventions
DEVICE
Diffusion Tensor MRI (DTI)
Diffusion Tensor MRI (DTI) measures the diffusion of water in the heart, which allows the orientation of the muscle fibers in the heart to be determined.
DRUG
Gadolinium DOTA Meglumine
Late Gadolinium enhancement
Primary outcome measures
Myofiber Helix Angle
Time frame: 12 months
The investigators aim to determine how the myofibers in the heart change their orientation in heart disease by measuring their helix angle.
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
- Healthy adults with no history of hypertension, diabetes or heart disease
- Patients with ST Elevation MI within last 6-10 weeks who are angina free, and have been seen by a cardiologist since discharge
- Patients with episode of heart failure within last 12 months and left ventricular hypertrophy, documented by echocardiogram or MRI.
Exclusion criteria
- Presence of metallic foreign bodies/objects
- Selected medical devices and implants
- Pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, life vests
- Coronary artery stent within last 6 weeks (unless the stent is a MRI-inert chromium-cobalt stent)
- Known untreated ventricular arrhythmia such as sustained ventricular tachycardia within last 12 months
- Atrial fibrillation that is not well rate controlled (heart rate \>125)
- Unstable angina within last 2 months that has not been fully evaluated by a cardiologist
- Syncope within last 6 weeks
- Hemodynamic instability (Systolic BP less than 100 or greater than 180)
- Decompensated heart failure (inability to lie flat and perform a breath-hold).
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \< 60 for those receiving gadolinium.
- Labile GFR that is not stable/similar on last 2 measurements (for those receiving gadolinium).
- Patients with GFR \< 20 or on any form of dialysis.
- Infiltrative cardiomyopathy (amyloid, sarcoid, hemachromatosis)
- Recent surgery (within the last 3 months)
- Prior stroke with large residual deficit
- Presence of liver or respiratory failure
- Pregnancy and nursing mothers
- Claustrophobia
- Known seizure disorder
Where
- Charlestown, Massachusetts
Related conditions & keywords
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 Dec 24, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations