NCT05521399 · Northwestern University
Heart Transplantation - Renewal
(HeartRenewal)
What this study is about
Heart transplantation (HTx) is a well-established life-saving procedure but is associated with severe complications. Regular monitoring of heart transplant recipients is thus important for the early detection of these complications. Current standard clinical tests, however, rely on frequent invasive procedures including endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) and catheter angiography (Cath).
View original scientific description
Heart transplantation (HTx) is a well-established life-saving procedure but is associated with severe complications. Regular monitoring of heart transplant recipients is thus important for the early detection of these complications. Current standard clinical tests, however, rely on frequent invasive procedures including endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) and catheter angiography (Cath). In addition, these standard tests are limited by sampling error, the diffuse nature of HTx complications, and high health care utilization cost, estimated at \>$150,000 per year per patient in the US. To address these limitations, our group has developed a non-invasive multiparametric cardiac MRI, which can quantify abnormal changes in heart tissue and function. Our efforts during the initial period of this study (NIH funded 2014-2019) have focused on the two major complications of HTx: 1) acute cardiac rejection (ACR), the leading cause of death in the first year after heart transplant; and 2) cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), the greatest risk factor for 5-year mortality beyond the first year after heart transplantation. For these major compilation, our previous cardiac MRI studies have identified new non-invasive cardiac MRI measures that can detect abnormalities of heart tissue and function. In addition, the data was able to show that heart donor and recipient mismatch (age, sex, height, weight, etc.) can cause changes in tissue and function of the transplanted heart.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
MRI Sequencing
MRI test-retest (select healthy volunteers) for development of MRI sequence.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
MRI Testing (pediatric)
Comprehensive cardiac MRI measures will be evaluated for the identification of complications after heart transplantation (ACR, CAV) in children.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
MRI Testing
Cardiac MRI to improve HTx monitoring for ACR and CAV as well as outcome prediction
Primary outcome measures
Number and severity of acute rejection (ACR) episodes at follow up, quantified by ACR grade (1R, 2R, 3R)
Time frame: 4 years
Long-term Follow-Up (\> 5 years) will determine the prognostic value for cardiac MRI metrics (T2, T1, LV, and RV volumes, cardiac strain, myocardial fibrosis) for graft complications as defined by the number of acute rejection (ACR) episodes, ACR grade (1R, 2R, 3R)
Severity of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) at follow-up, quantified by CAV grade (0,1,2,3)
Time frame: 4 years
Long-term Follow-Up (\> 5 years) will determine the prognostic value for cardiac MRI metrics (T2, T1, LV, and RV volumes, cardiac strain, myocardial fibrosis) for graft complications as defined by ardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) grade (0,1,2)
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
- At Northwestern University:
- At least 18 years of age
- Able to complete the MR safety screening form as required by SOC
- Able to comprehend and provide informed consent Adult Heart Transplant patients scanned at CTI -Baseline cardiac MRI prior to 4/2017 Pediatric controls scanned at Lurie
- No known CHD
- Receiving clinical cardiac MRI: Some pediatric patients are scheduled to receive cardiac -MRI's to rule out congenital heart disease. In some instances, the outcome is normal - these patients would be considered healthy controls. Pediatric controls are getting MRI scans of heart only. Pediatric heart transplant patients scanned at Lurie
- Receiving baseline clinical cardiac MRI
- Past heart Tx
Exclusion criteria
- Abnormal kidney function (eGFR \< 30 mL/min/). Patients with a history of kidney problems (GFR \< 30 ml/min) or have had a kidney and/or liver transplant will be excluded from the study or may undergo the MRI exam without the use of a contrast agent, per standard MR exclusion criteria
- Contraindication to MRI i.e. device implants, metal hardware, etc as determined by staff technologists
- Adults unable to consent Pediatric heart transplant patients scanned at Lurie
- Patients who have not received a heart transplant
- Patients who have not received a cardiac MRI at baseline
- Individuals not receiving the supplemental 10-minute scan, due to GA concerns, will be counted towards the desired study population.
- If a scan returns with an abnormality, they would no longer be considered control and would not be counted towards the desired study population. It is not until the exam is completed the data may be able to determine whether a patient will qualify as a control. Ordering providers routinely order MRI exams to rule out a certain abnormality. This is similar to ordering providers to request a brain MRI if a patient presents with certain symptoms, such as a headache, to rule out a brain tumor. In many cases those exams may return unremarkable.
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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 Mar 24, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations