Measuring how much oxygen heart muscle uses with MRI

Validation of Myocardial Oxygen Extraction Fraction Measurement with MRI

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11137718

Developing an MRI method to measure how much oxygen the heart muscle uses for people with heart disease or suspected ischemia.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11137718 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research will test an MRI technique that measures myocardial oxygen extraction fraction (mOEF), which shows how much oxygen your heart muscle takes from the blood. Researchers will compare the new MRI readings to established reference methods (such as PET or laboratory measures) in models and human subjects to confirm accuracy. The goal is to detect oxygen supply versus demand problems in the heart early, often before pump function worsens. If proven reliable, the MRI approach could be used noninvasively to monitor ischemia, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and related conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates include people with known or suspected coronary artery disease, ischemia, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or unexplained chest pain who can undergo MRI.

Not a fit: People without heart disease or those who cannot have an MRI (for example, due to incompatible implanted devices, severe claustrophobia, or certain contrast-related kidney issues) may not benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow earlier, noninvasive detection and monitoring of oxygen problems in the heart, helping guide treatment and potentially reduce damage.

How similar studies have performed: PET-based methods have long been used to measure myocardial oxygen use, but using MRI to measure mOEF is relatively new and still under validation.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.