PET/MR in Aortic Stenosis (PASS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Positron Emission Tomography / Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Aortic Stenosis (PASS)
IRAS ID
225610
Contact name
Marc Dweck
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Aortic stenosis is a common condition characterised by progressive narrowing (stenosis) of the aortic heart valve leading to thickened heart muscle and heart failure unless the valve is surgically replaced. Assessment of the severity of the valve narrowing and the strength of the heart muscle is complex, with multiple imaging options available. Another condition, cardiac amyloidosis, involves the deposition of insoluble protein in the heart muscle leading to thickening in a similar way to aortic stenosis. New research indicates this condition may be relatively common (6-29%) in patients with aortic stenosis and isimportant as these patients have a worse prognosis with or without valve surgery.
New technology combining positron emission tomography (using very small amounts of a radioactive substance to look at metabolic processes) and magnetic resonance imaging (using strong magnetic fields to take detailed pictures of the heart) may offer useful insights into the pathological processes in aortic stenosis and amyloidosis and provide a more comprehensive imaging assessment compared with other techniques.
This single centre pilot observational study will recruit 20 patients with severe aortic stenosis referred for valve replacement who have imaging features suspicious of co-existent cardiac amyloidosis. 10 age and sex matched healthy volunteers will also be recruited. Participants will undergo a single visit to the research centre where they will undergo measurement of blood pressure, an electrocardiogram, blood tests and an optional abdominal fat pad aspirate. Finally, a PET/MR scan will be performed using a 18F-sodium fluoride radiotracer which is commonly used in research scans. The single visit should last no more than 3 hours. Further optional consent will be sought to take a small sample of heart muscle tissue in those undergoing surgical valve replacement. The study is funded by the British Heart Foundation.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
17/SS/0066
Date of REC Opinion
31 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion