Molecular Imaging in Cardiac Sarcoidosis 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 Sarcoidosis
IRAS ID
217310
Contact name
Marc Dweck
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Univesrsity 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 sarcoidosis, a condition which causes scarring and inflammation within the heart muscle, is of particular interest.
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. This will allow us to look at 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 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. The scan will be performed twice; once before treatment and once after treatment has been established. We will also scan a group of healthy volunteers in exactly the same way to enable us to compare the results with hearts of people who don't have cardiac sarcoidosis.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
17/SS/0060
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion