Cardiac Inflammation

Researchers are investigating acute myocardial inflammation, a complex condition that includes acute cellular cardiac allograft rejection (ACR), cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), and immune checkpoint inhibitor induced myocarditis (ICIM). This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT imaging for detecting inflammatory cells in these patients, offering a potentially non-invasive diagnostic option. The study is a phase 2 trial focusing on these specific heart inflammation conditions where diagnosis is currently challenging. Participants will receive an intravenous injection of a maximum of 50 micrograms of PentixaFor labeled with 150 ±15 MBq of Gallium-68 ([68Ga]) as a bolus 60 ±15 minutes before undergoing PET/CT imaging. The treatment involves this imaging procedure for all three patient groups (ACR, CS, ICIM) to assess the presence and characteristics of myocardial inflammation. During the study, researchers will evaluate imaging results by analyzing lesion number, location, and standardized uptake value (SUV) over one year. They will also monitor toxicity data for safety assessment. Participants will have regular clinical follow-ups at the cardiology department. The study involves signing informed consent and includes monitoring for any adverse effects related to the imaging agent or procedures throughout the study duration.

Researchers are evaluating a new 10-minute cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging protocol designed to improve current CMR procedures for patients with various heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and other cardiac diseases. The study aims to develop a standardized, contrast-free imaging method that can be applied to about 70% of cardiac patients. The goal is to assess whether this shorter protocol enhances diagnostic decision-making and reduces healthcare costs. The study involves two groups: healthy volunteers over 18 years old without significant cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, and patients over 18 years who require a clinically indicated CMR exam. The new protocol focuses on heart function and tissue characterization without using contrast agents. Researchers will compare the new 10-minute protocol to standard CMR imaging, evaluating its clinical feasibility, performance, and cost-effectiveness in different patient populations. Participants will undergo CMR scans using both the new and standard protocols. Researchers will monitor diagnostic results, scan completion rates, scan sequence times, adverse events, and cost differences between methods. Various heart tissue measurements and reproducibility between different readers and scanners will also be assessed. The study spans from 2019 to 2025, with ongoing safety monitoring during imaging sequences and a focus on improving the efficiency and quality of cardiac imaging.

Researchers are evaluating whether two different formulations of HRS-1893 tablets are bioequivalent in healthy adults aged 18 to 55 years. This Phase 1 study aims to compare how the body absorbs and processes these two tablet versions, while also assessing their safety and tolerability. The study is sponsored by Shandong Suncadia Medicine Co., Ltd. and focuses on the condition of cardiomyopathy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the test formulation or the reference formulation of the HRS-1893 tablet taken orally. The study includes precise monitoring of drug levels in the blood from Day 1 to Day 17, measuring peak concentration and overall exposure. Safety assessments such as ECG, echocardiogram, vital signs, and adverse event monitoring occur from Day 1 to Day 21, with no masking or blinding involved. During the study, participants will undergo blood tests to measure drug concentration over time, along with heart function tests and vital sign checks. Researchers will track any adverse effects and evaluate how well participants tolerate the treatments. The study involves multiple visits over several weeks, providing detailed information on how the tablets behave in the body and their safety profile.

Researchers are studying the quality of life in adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), thoracic aortic dilatation (TAD), and radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) who are not suitable candidates for surgery. This observational study aims to understand how these heart conditions affect patients' daily lives and well-being. The research seeks to identify risk factors linked to lower quality of life and changes over time to improve long-term management. Participants are adults diagnosed with HCM, TAD, or RIHD who are visiting the Cleveland Clinic for the first time for cardiac evaluation without prior or planned surgery. They will complete the Cardiac Quality of Life (QOL) Survey electronically at three points: baseline, 3 months, and 9 months. The survey covers five areas—global, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health—and measures self-efficacy and resilience. During the study, participants will provide information through these surveys to help assess their health status across multiple domains. Researchers will compare results at 3 and 9 months to baseline to understand changes in quality of life and the impact of heritability and radiation-induced disease. The total participation time is about nine months, with ongoing monitoring through outpatient clinic visits and electronic questionnaires.

Researchers are evaluating the potential benefits of implanting an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in patients with coronary artery disease who have survived cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation or sustained ventricular tachycardia. These patients have undergone complete revascularization and have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) above 35%. The study aims to assess whether ICD implantation can improve survival outcomes compared to standard medical therapy. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group receives an ICD implanted either during admission or within 4 weeks after discharge from the initial cardiac event, while the other group receives guideline-directed medical therapy without ICD implantation. The study compares these approaches to understand the effect of ICDs on survival in this patient population. During the study, participants will be monitored for outcomes including all-cause mortality over a five-year period, as well as mortality related to cardiovascular causes at one year. Researchers will collect data on sudden cardiovascular death and cardiovascular death within the first year. The trial includes follow-up assessments to track these outcomes and the overall health of participants throughout the study duration.

Researchers are evaluating a predictive tool called the Multifactorial Dynamic Perfusion Index (MDPI) to estimate the risk of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This observational study involves adults and infants undergoing cardiac surgery, aiming to validate the MDPI in adults, develop a version for infants under 20 kg, and explore if the MDPI can predict other complications including mortality. The MDPI combines seven variables measured during CPB, many of which can be modified by the surgical team to potentially improve patient outcomes. The study is divided into three parts: first, validating the MDPI in 800 adult cardiac surgery patients from two centers using existing CPB monitors that collect data such as hematocrit, oxygen delivery, arterial pressure, and transfusions; second, developing a modified MDPI for 200 infants under 20 kg undergoing congenital heart surgery with additional infant-specific variables; and third, investigating whether the MDPI can predict other postoperative issues like low cardiac output, longer ICU stays, bleeding complications, and 30-day mortality. Data collection includes parameters recorded during surgery and postoperative creatinine values. Participants will undergo cardiac surgery with CPB, during which relevant physiological data will be continuously recorded by specialized monitors. After surgery, kidney function and other outcomes will be monitored for up to 48 hours, with extended follow-up for complications and mortality over 30 days. Researchers will analyze how well the MDPI predicts acute kidney injury and other clinical outcomes, aiming to incorporate the MDPI into real-time monitoring devices to guide therapeutic decisions during surgery.

Researchers are conducting a multi-center clinical study to assess artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for measuring heart function and size using echocardiography. The study aims to compare AI measurements with those of physicians at different experience levels, evaluate the accuracy and stability of AI, and explore its use in complex heart conditions like cardiomyopathy, valve disease, and coronary heart disease. The goal is to improve diagnostic consistency and clinical workflows across medical centers. The study involves measuring cardiac chamber size and function in 1600 participants using AI, senior physicians, and intermediate physicians. All measurements are made with Mindray ultrasonic machines. AI and intermediate physician results are completed within one day after data collection, while senior physician results are completed within one month. The study will establish a standardized reference system for AI-assisted echocardiographic measurements and evaluate AI's performance in special cases. Participants will undergo echocardiographic scans with measurements of left and right ventricular size and function, Doppler ultrasound indicators, and valve annulus displacements. Researchers will analyze data to compare AI and physician measurements, assess measurement deviations, and evaluate AI's efficiency in reducing analysis time. The study will run until July 2026, with ongoing data collection and analysis across multiple centers, aiming to promote wider clinical application of AI technology for cardiovascular disease diagnosis.

This research aims to observe patients who participated in the EXCELLENT clinical trial for acute myocardial infarction. It focuses on comparing long-term clinical outcomes between those who received standard care and those treated with ProtheraCytes. The study is designed to follow these patients for up to 10 years to gather valuable safety and efficacy data. Participants include those from both the standard of care group and the ProtheraCytes treatment group who have completed their 6-month follow-up in the original EXCELLENT trial. This observational study involves collecting data without additional interventions or treatments. The study duration spans an average of 10 years from the initial randomization in the EXCELLENT trial. During the study, researchers will monitor participants regularly to assess safety and treatment outcomes over the long term. Data collection includes clinical evaluations and tracking of any health changes. The study does not involve new treatments but focuses on observing and comparing patient progress. Participants will continue their usual care outside the study, and their safety will be monitored throughout.

Researchers are evaluating the use of dapagliflozin to reduce cardiovascular risk in women who have experienced hypertensive pregnancies. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial focuses on patients at high risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes within five years after delivery. The study is a pilot-scale, single institution investigation aiming to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of dapagliflozin during the postpartum period. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive dapagliflozin 10 mg daily for six months, while the other group will receive a daily placebo for the same duration. During the study, participants will attend four study visits and complete specific activities including daily blood pressure monitoring, weekly weight measurements, laboratory tests, and echocardiograms. After the six-month treatment period, participants will be followed remotely for one month. Throughout the trial, researchers will measure cardiovascular risk reduction scores at the start and after six months of treatment. Secondary outcomes include tracking patient adherence, barriers to adherence, loss to follow-up rates, and screening statistics over a two-year recruitment period. The total participation includes treatment and follow-up visits, with regular assessments to monitor health and gather data for evaluating the study drugs' impact on cardiovascular risk.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and feasibility of a new paddle-shaped, high-density, multi-electrode mapping catheter designed to map the atrial and ventricular regions of the heart. This study focuses on patients undergoing catheter mapping and ablation procedures to manage various cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, atrial tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and premature ventricular contractions. The trial is sponsored by Biosense Webster, Inc. and aims to monitor serious and non-serious adverse events related to the investigational catheter. Participants scheduled for a clinically indicated catheter mapping and ablation procedure will have the procedure performed using the investigational mapping catheter. The catheter is designed to provide detailed mapping of heart arrhythmias to guide the ablation therapy. The study period includes the index procedure and up to seven days of follow-up to assess safety and procedural success. Physicians may use the catheter for endocardial and, if indicated, epicardial mapping during the procedure. During the study, participants will undergo the catheter mapping and ablation procedure, and researchers will evaluate the catheter's deployment, visualization, maneuverability, and signal quality. Safety is monitored by recording any serious or non-serious adverse events within seven days after the procedure. Participants must comply with all pre-, post-, and follow-up testing and requirements, with the total relevant monitoring lasting up to seven days post-procedure.