Advanced Imaging to Identify Sex-Specific Biological Signs in Heart Valve Disease Using Cardiac MRI and Machine Learning to Improve Risk and Treatment Predictions

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates sex-specific biological markers related to aortic valve disease using advanced cardiac magnetic resonance CMR imaging techniques. The study focuses on the differences in left ventricular remodeling and heart failure symptoms between males and females with chronic valvular heart disease, aiming to improve risk assessment and treatment decisions. Machine learning methods like phenomapping are used to identify distinct patient groups based on imaging and clinical features. The goal is to develop sex-specific precision medicine approaches for cardiovascular imaging and patient care. Participants will undergo CMR scans using advanced methods such as Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting MRF, Diffusion Tensor Imaging DTI, chemical exchange transfer imaging, and radiomics analysis. Imaging will be done with contrast at baseline and without contrast at follow-up. Participants also complete questionnaires assessing physical activity and quality of life. These techniques aim to identify predictors of heart remodeling after valve surgery and establish sex-specific risk thresholds. The study builds infrastructure for scalable, sex-specific cardiovascular imaging. During the study, participants will have baseline and follow-up assessments including CMR imaging, physical activity and quality of life questionnaires, and clinical evaluations over 6 to 12 months. Researchers will measure changes in left ventricular dilation and ejection fraction as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes include changes in aortic regurgitation, blood biomarker BNP, questionnaire scores, and exercise capacity via a six-minute walk test. The study monitors heart structure and function changes to understand treatment response and risk, with participation lasting up to a year.

Novel Characterization of Sex Specific Biologic Signatures in Valvular Heart Disease