CT calcium scans to spot who may develop heart failure
Radiomics-based risk prediction of heart failure using CT calcium score exam
This project uses AI to analyze routine CT calcium scans and health data to find people likely to develop heart failure so they can get earlier prevention.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247546 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team uses routine non-contrast CT calcium score exams and my medical information to look for subtle image patterns linked with future heart failure. They apply radiomics (detailed image feature extraction) and AI models across very large groups of people from programs like University Hospitals CLARIFY, Houston Methodist HeartScan, and the CARDIA and CRIC cohorts to build and test a risk model. The researchers combine imaging features with clinical risk factors and recorded heart failure events to create a CT-based heart failure risk score. If successful, the approach could be applied to scans many people already receive without needing extra tests.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who have had or are eligible for coronary CT calcium scoring—especially people with cardiovascular risk factors or those enrolled in the participating programs.
Not a fit: People without CT calcium scans, individuals who already have diagnosed heart failure, or very young people with no coronary calcification may not benefit from this CT-based prediction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors identify people at high risk of heart failure earlier so they can start preventive care.
How similar studies have performed: AI and radiomics have shown promise for cardiovascular risk prediction in other areas, but using CT calcium scans specifically to predict future heart failure is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Shuo — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Li, Shuo
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.