Development of MRI techniques in a clinical setting
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of MRI techniques in a clinical setting in suspected pulmonary hypertension
IRAS ID
211543
Contact name
Andrew Swift
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is becoming an established technique for evaluation of patients with PH, allowing direct visualisation and accurate analysis of the structure and function of the heart and lungs. Moreover, MRI is a non-invasive technique which does not require ionising radiation.
The aim of this study is to ask if new MRI techniques (i.e. ways of acquiring images and measurements) are reproducible and whether they provide accurate diagnosis and prognosis for patients with pulmonary hypertension.
The typical amount of time an MRI process takes in normal clinical care is between 40-60 minutes. In this study we will ask patients if they will give their informed consent to an extra 15 minutes (maximum) of scanning time when they are attending hospital for a routine MRI appointment.
The methods that will be performed in the additional 15 minutes of research scanning time will include candidate techniques that will provide information of the heart and pulmonary vasculature, including:
• “T1 mapping” of the heart. Produces images that are potentially a novel prognostic marker of right ventricular failure.
• Functional 3D volume heart CINE imaging. By acquiring images of the whole heart we expect to more accurately determine right ventricular volume, mass and function.
• 4D phase-contrast MRI of the pulmonary artery. Vortex formation in the pulmonary artery is a marker with high diagnostic accuracy.These new techniques are methods of computerised analytical calculation and measurement. They do not require the patient to do anything different, other than be in the MR Scanner for an extra 1 – 15 minutes whilst the Radiologist takes additional measurements.
This study is important as there is a need to validate and standardise new MRI methods to support clinical decision making, which can ultimately improve the experience and outcomes of patients and their families.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/YH/0016
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion