Cardiac MRI to understand coronary microvascular dysfunction
Official title: Cardiac MRI Phenotyping of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11345505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A heart-imaging project uses AI-enhanced MRI to better diagnose and monitor chest pain from small-vessel heart problems in patients without blocked arteries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $848,141 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL185389-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chest pain who have non-obstructive coronary arteries and suspected microvascular dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without suspected MVD or who cannot undergo MRI could derive little or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve noninvasive diagnosis of coronary microvascular dysfunction (MVD) using advanced cardiac MRI techniques and AI tools. By integrating quantitative perfusion mapping, tissue characterization, and AI-driven image enhancement, the study seeks to provide clearer measurements of blood flow and heart muscle health. The goal is to make CMR a practical, widely available option for people with chest pain and suspected MVD, helping them get accurate diagnoses and better follow-up care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with chest pain and suspected MVD could receive faster, more accurate diagnoses using a safe MRI test.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows AI-enhanced CMR can improve image quality and diagnostic confidence in cardiac care.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nezafat, Reza — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Nezafat, Reza
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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.