Molecular Imaging in Cardiac Amyloidosis with PET-Hybrid Imaging
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Molecular Imaging in Cardiovascular Disease using Hybrid Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MR): Cardiac Amyloidosis
IRAS ID
223100
Contact name
Marc Dweck
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research 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 amyloidosis, a condition which causes thickening of heart muscle due to abnormal protein deposits, is of particular interest. There are different forms of this condition and at present samples of tissue need to be taken and analysed in order to assess these accurately, which carries risks.
We have recently acquired a specialised PET scanner in the Clinical Research Imaging Centre which allows us to use PET scanning combined with MRI scanning. We will use a PET tracer which is widely used in cardiac imaging as we hope it will allow us to look at abnormal areas within the heart in this condition in a way which hasn't been done before. If successful, this imaging method will enable us to detect differences between different forms of cardiac amyloidosis in a non-invasive way.
All patients 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 new scanner enables patients to have an MRI scan at the same time.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
17/SS/0059
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion