PET/MR Imaging In Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis (NCT03705884) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
PET/MR Imaging In Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis
United Kingdom40 participantsStarted 2017-10-30
Plain-language 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.
Who can participate
Age range
40 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Cardiac Sarcoidosis Patients:
* Aged over 40 years
* Completion of informed consent
* Established diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis
* Established diagnosis as per HRS recommended diagnostic criteria
Healthy Volunteers:
* Aged over 40
* Completion of informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* All participants:
* Inability or unwilling to give informed consent
* Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or of child-bearing potential (women who have experienced menarche, are pre-menopausal and have not been sterilised) will not be enrolled into the trial.
* Major intercurrent illness with life-expectancy \<2 years.
* Renal dysfunction (eGFR less than or equal to 30ml/min/1.73m2)
* Adverse reaction or hypersensitivity to 18F-FDG PET tracer
* NYHA Class IV heart failure
* Patients with atrial fibrillation and poor rate control
* Contraindications to MRI scanning
* Previous history of contrast allergy of adverse reactions (Gadolinium-containing agents)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.