CASPA: Cardiac sarcoidosis in Papworth
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CASPA (Cardiac sarcoidosis in Papworth): Improving the diagnosis of cardiac disease in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis
IRAS ID
222720
Contact name
Muhunthan Thillai
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown cause which affects adults of all ethnic backgrounds. Clumps of tissue called granulomas develop primarily in the lungs, but can damage other organs, especially the heart. Ancedotal evidence from autopsy studies suggests the heart is affected in up to 68% of patients, but there is much uncertainty about this figure.
If undetected and untreated, it can lead to serious complications or even sudden death. The current recommendation is to perform heart tracings (ECGs) on all patients, but this detects fewer than half of those with heart involvement. Blood markers traditionally used to diagnose heart disease are unreliable, meaning there is no simple blood test in use.
We propose a study with three aims. Firstly, identify the true prevalence of heart disease by performing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans on a group of patients with newly diagnosed lung sarcoidosis. Those found to have heart disease will have specialist (but routine) electrical heart tests. Secondly, (and perhaps the most immediate and clinically relevant) to identify the best method of diagnosing heart involvement using a combination of three simple tests: advanced ECG, 24-hour continuous ECG and a new type of computerised ultrasound scan. Thirdly, to identify proteins in the blood that could be used to develop a simple blood test for heart involvement in patients with lung sarcoidosis.
We have built a strong collaboration to achieve the study aims. Patient recruitment and tests will happen at a new sarcoidosis clinic in Papworth Hospital (recruiting from the entire region). The blood protein identification will be undertaken by a team at Imperial College London who have a proven track record in sarcoidosis diagnosis.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0667
Date of REC Opinion
20 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion