Investigating the role of pericoronary fat in heart disease risk using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Pericoronary fat: MACE risk from non-contrast CT and the role of iodine perfusion in contrast CT
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11020959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the fat around your heart can impact heart disease, using special imaging technology to help find better ways to spot problems early and improve care for people at risk.
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 start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $689,912 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167199-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for coronary artery disease, particularly those with factors contributing to inflammation in pericoronary fat.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no risk factors for coronary artery disease or those who do not undergo cardiovascular imaging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how inflammation in pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) affects the progression of coronary artery disease. By utilizing advanced cardiovascular CT imaging and artificial intelligence, the study aims to analyze the appearance of pericoronary fat and its relationship to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The researchers will explore the effects of iodine perfusion in contrast CT scans to enhance the assessment of PCAT and develop a cost-effective screening method for early detection of heart disease. This innovative approach could lead to improved patient management and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better early detection and prediction of heart disease, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using advanced imaging techniques to assess cardiovascular risk, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, David Lynn — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Wilson, David Lynn
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.