Left Ventricular Structural Predictors of Sudden Cardiac Death Substudy of Functional Energetics and Imaging for Phenotypic Characterization of Patients at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

What this Trial Is About

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major health challenge with a high number of cases each year and low survival rates. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) help prevent SCD in patients with poor heart function, specifically those with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35% or less. However, current selection methods mean only a small portion of patients truly benefit from ICDs, creating a need for better ways to predict who is at risk. This research focuses on whether detailed structural features of the heart, beyond overall heart function, can better predict SCD risk using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). The study uses CMR with late gadolinium enhancement to measure detailed heart structure, including function, size, mass, shape, and scar tissue in patients with reduced LVEF who are being considered for ICDs to prevent SCD. It aims to see if these structural measurements combined with other clinical factors can more accurately identify patients at higher risk of SCD compared to current methods. This prospective study involves a large group of patients to assess the added value of heart structure assessment in predicting SCD risk. Participants will be followed for up to five years with evaluations every six months to monitor outcomes related to SCD and other cardiac events. Researchers will review composite outcomes of sudden cardiac death and cardiac health over this period. The study involves clinical assessments and imaging tests to collect data and track participants' health status, aiming to improve future risk stratification for SCD prevention and better target ICD therapy.

Left Ventricular Structural Predictors of Sudden Cardiac Death