3D ultrasound mapping of right-side heart strain

Secondary Analysis of 3D Echo Images of the Right Ventricle to Compute 3D Surface Strain

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11300190

This project uses 3D echocardiogram images to create detailed maps of how the right side of the heart muscle deforms in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11300190 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will re-analyze existing 3D echocardiogram images to measure how the right ventricle stretches, twists, and shears during each heartbeat. They will compute 3D surface strain values across the whole right ventricle and compare those values to standard 2D strain measurements. The work relies on image-analysis software applied to clinical images rather than new treatments or extra scans. Results are intended to show whether 3D measures give a clearer picture of early right-heart dysfunction in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (21+) with pulmonary arterial hypertension or other right-heart conditions who have an existing 3D echocardiogram on file that can be shared for analysis.

Not a fit: People without PAH, children, or anyone who does not have a 3D echocardiogram available will not directly benefit from this analysis, and it does not test any new treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors detect worsening right-heart function earlier and make better-informed treatment or monitoring decisions for people with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: The team’s preliminary work shows 3D surface strain agrees reasonably with standard 2D strain measures, but broader clinical benefit and outcome links are not yet proven.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.