Angiogram-based markers of small blood vessel function in the heart
Angiography-derived Imaging Biomarkers of the Coronary Microcirculation
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11260158
Researchers will create new image markers from routine heart angiograms to reveal how well the small blood vessels in people with or at risk for coronary artery disease are working.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11260158 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses time-course contrast data from routine coronary angiograms and new image-analysis methods to capture blood-flow patterns that reflect small-vessel (microvascular) function. The team will combine automated algorithms and expert review (a Hybrid Intelligence approach) to derive distinct microvascular “phenotypes.” They will test and validate these image-based markers against existing clinical data and outcomes. The initial focus is on the coronary circulation because small-vessel problems can cause ischemic heart disease even when large arteries look normal.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have had or are scheduled for coronary angiography, especially those with chest pain or known/suspected ischemic heart disease.
Not a fit: People without heart disease or who do not undergo coronary angiography are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help detect coronary microvascular dysfunction earlier and guide more targeted treatments to prevent chest pain and heart damage.
How similar studies have performed: Related imaging and AI approaches have shown promise for measuring blood flow in larger vessels, but deriving validated microvascular phenotypes from routine angiograms is relatively novel and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GUERRATY, MARIE A — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: GUERRATY, MARIE A
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.