Using Diffusion MRI to Study Heart Muscle Changes in Heart Failure and Related Heart Conditions

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying heart failure development, focusing on the early structural changes in the heart that happen before symptoms appear. They aim to understand how the hearts microstructure changes during this progression by using diffusion tensor MRI DTI imaging. This study includes patients with recent heart attacks and those with left ventricular hypertrophy, both groups being at risk for heart failure, to observe these microstructural changes over time. The study involves three groups healthy volunteers to establish normal heart muscle fiber patterns, patients with recent ST elevation myocardial infarctions, and patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and a history of heart failure. All participants will undergo serial DTI imaging of the heart, which tracks the diffusion of water to reveal muscle fiber orientation. Some patients will also receive gadolinium contrast to enhance imaging. These imaging sessions will be repeated over time to monitor changes in heart structure. Participants will be involved in multiple imaging visits where heart structure and function are assessed through MRI scans. The main outcome measure is the myofiber helix angle at 12 months, with secondary measures including its correlation with heart strain. Researchers will monitor participants heart remodeling and function changes related to heart failure progression. The study will continue through 2028, with careful observation of heart microstructure changes and safety monitoring during and after imaging.

Diffusion MRI in Heart Failure