Improving heart imaging without gadolinium contrast
Official title: Gadolinium Free Cardiac MR Imaging of Scar and Fibrosis
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10665634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to take heart images that helps doctors see damaged heart tissue without using a special dye, making it safer for patients with kidney problems, especially those with a type of heart condition called non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
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, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $860,262 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL154744-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10665634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy who require cardiac imaging to assess scarred heart tissue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ischemic heart disease or those who do not require cardiac imaging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing cardiac MRI techniques to visualize scarred or fibrotic heart tissue without the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents. By developing an AI-driven platform called MyoProbe.ai, the study aims to create a personalized model that predicts the likelihood of scarred myocardium in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. This approach not only seeks to reduce the need for gadolinium, which can pose risks for patients with kidney issues, but also aims to streamline the imaging process, making it more efficient and safer for patients. The research will involve both risk-benefit modeling and the creation of advanced imaging tools to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide safer and more efficient cardiac imaging options for patients, particularly those with kidney concerns.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of AI in medical imaging is a growing field, this specific approach to cardiac MRI without gadolinium is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
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.