Lo-Co CMR: Low-field vs Conventional-field strength CMR
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparison of Low-Field (0.5 T) and Conventional (1.5 T) Cardiac MRI: Establishing Reference Ranges in Health and Disease
IRAS ID
364229
Contact name
Daniel Knight
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a safe and widely used test that helps doctors assess the heart’s structure and function. It is commonly used to investigate symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or known heart conditions. Most CMR scans are currently done using 1.5 Tesla (T) scanners, which are the standard magnetic field strength in most NHS hospitals.
Recent advances in technology have made it possible to perform CMR scans at a lower magnetic field strength, such as 0.55T. These low-field scanners are less expensive to install and run, use less power, are greener, and may be more suitable for some patients (for example, those with implanted medical devices). However, it is important to understand how well low-field CMR compares to standard 1.5T imaging before it can be used more widely.
This study aims to compare CMR scans performed at 0.55T and 1.5T in patients who are already scheduled to have a clinically indicated 1.5T scan as part of their routine NHS care. We will be assessing participants with cardiac amyloidosis, scleroderma, Fabrys disease, myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, as well as healthy controls. In addition to their standard scan, participants will be invited to have an additional scan at 0.55T, usually on the same day or sometimes at another convenient time.
Both scans will be non-invasive, do not use ionising radiation and use the same core imaging techniques.
We will compare features such as image quality, image information, scan times, and the ability to see important heart features between the two scans. The goal is to find out whether low-field CMR provides similar information to standard scans and could be used effectively in future clinical practice or research studies.Participation is entirely voluntary, and patients can choose whether or not to take part without affecting their usual care.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0036
Date of REC Opinion
25 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion