Advanced MRI to better detect and treat coronary microvascular disease
Multiparametric MRI for the investigation of coronary microvascular disease
This project uses advanced MRI scans and targeted treatments to better detect and treat coronary microvascular disease in people with symptoms of small-vessel heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082982 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive specialized MRI scans that measure blood flow and markers of oxidative stress in the small vessels of the heart. The team combines laboratory work in mice to study how fat around the heart and certain immune cells damage small coronary vessels with human imaging and treatment tests. They use a drug challenge (adenosine) and quantitative perfusion measures to find reduced blood flow reserve, and will explore medicines that might reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. The goal is to connect what is seen on MRI with the underlying biology so future treatments can be more targeted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have chest pain or ischemic symptoms but no major blocked coronary arteries, or those already diagnosed with coronary microvascular disease, would be the best candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose symptoms are caused by large-blockage coronary artery disease that requires revascularization, or whose chest pain has a non-cardiac cause, are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to MRI tests that spot coronary microvascular disease earlier and new treatments that reduce inflammation and improve heart blood flow and symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Doctors already use PET and MRI to measure myocardial blood flow, but connecting epicardial fat, macrophage-driven iNOS activity, and targeted therapy is a newer, early-stage approach.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Epstein, Frederick H — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Epstein, Frederick H
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.