PET/MR Imaging In Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2019-01-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
PET scanning (positron emission tomography) is a well-established technique used to identify
areas of interest within the body. It involves injecting a radioactive tracer which
highlights abnormal areas. It has recently been combined with CT (computed tomography) and
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanning to more accurately identify abnormalities within
the heart. Cardiac sarcoidosis, a condition which causes scarring and inflammation within the
heart muscle, is of particular interest.
The study makes use of hybrid PET/MR scanning using a designated scanner which enables PET
scanning combined with MRI scanning. This will allow imaging of abnormal areas within the
heart in this condition alongside treatment regimens in a way which hasn't been done before.
If successful, this imaging method will play a key role in diagnosing, quantifying and
monitoring these conditions.
All participants will undergo PET scanning, where a radioactive tracer is injected into a
vein before the scan. The radioactive substance only lasts for a short time and is safe,
passed out of the body in urine. The scan will be performed twice; once before treatment and
once after treatment has been established. A cohort of healthy volunteers will undergo
scanning in exactly the same way to enable us to compare the results with hearts of people
who don't have cardiac sarcoidosis.