What is this study trying to find out about atrial fibrillation?

This study aims to understand how myocardial fibrosis, measured by extracellular volume (ECV) using Cardiac CT, relates to outcomes after catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation patients. Researchers want to see if higher ECV levels link to more recurrence of AF and hospital visits. The study is led by Johns Hopkins University to improve treatment decisions for AF patients.

Who may be eligible for this atrial fibrillation clinical trial?

Adults aged 21 years or older with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation who are candidates for catheter ablation may be eligible. Both men and women can participate. Some exclusions include allergies to iodinated contrast, kidney problems, pregnancy, or certain implanted metal devices. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this atrial fibrillation clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study CT scan and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses and accommodations may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any travel or lodging costs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 21Years +

All Genders

ID06308094

Using 320-Detector CT to Measure Heart Tissue Fibrosis in Adults with Atrial Fibrillation Before Catheter Ablation Treatment

Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2026-04-13

100

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring the link between myocardial fibrosis and outcomes in patients with Atrial Fibrillation AF after catheter ablation. The study focuses on using Cardiac CT to measure left ventricular extracellular volume ECV as a sign of fibrosis. It aims to see if higher ECV levels are connected to greater risks of AF returning, hospitalizations, and poor heart function recovery. This could help guide AF treatment decisions. Participants who are referred for catheter ablation will undergo an extra CT scan to measure ECV before the procedure. This is done during the standard pre-ablation cardiac CT that maps heart anatomy. The study uses a 320-detector CT to quantify ECV, a widely available and high-resolution method compared to MRI. The research assesses if ECV expansion relates to AF burden. During the study, outcomes such as AF recurrence and cardiovascular-related emergency visits or hospitalizations will be tracked for up to 90 days after the procedure. Heart function changes will be measured by ejection fraction, and quality of life will be assessed using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life questionnaire. Participants will be monitored carefully during this period to evaluate these clinical outcomes.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

320-detector Computed Tomography to Assess Myocardial Extracellular Volume Fraction in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Before AF Ablation.

Who Can Participate

Age: 21Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Patients must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrollment.
Patients must be able to give informed consent.
Patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation.
Patients must be suitable candidates for ablation to treat atrial fibrillation as determined by their cardiologist or electrophysiologist.
Patients are scheduled to have a pre-procedure cardiac CT as decided by their electrophysiologist.

You will not qualify if you...

Known allergy to iodinated contrast media.
Elevated serum creatinine above 1.5 mg/dl or creatinine clearance below 60 ml/min.
Positive urine or serum pregnancy test.
History of heart transplantation.
Presence of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or electrical storm.
Any other condition the investigator considers problematic.
Iodinated contrast administration within 24 hours prior to the investigational CT.
Presence of heart pacemaker, metallic foreign bodies in the eye, brain aneurysm clips, mechanical heart valves, or metal-containing prosthetics.
Severe claustrophobia.

Research Team

Konstantinos Aronis, MD PHD

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