Digital twin to predict progression in chronic thoracic aortic dissection
Creation of a Digital Twin for Predicting the Progression of Patients With Chronic Thoracic Aortic Dissection
This project will test whether a computer 'digital twin' built from 4D-flow MRI and blood tests can more accurately predict how chronic thoracic aortic dissections will change over time in adults who had type A repair or who have chronic type B dissections.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dijon) |
| Trial ID | NCT07315178 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
After surgical repair of type A dissections, a residual chronic type B dissection of the descending aorta requires ongoing imaging follow-up because current CT/MRI measures poorly predict aneurysm formation and risk of rupture. This project will collect 4D-flow MRI and blood samples and combine hemodynamic, mechanical, and biomarker data to build individualized computational 'digital twin' models. Those models will be used to track and forecast aortic wall behavior and aneurysm growth risk over time, aiming to identify patients who will likely need future intervention. The goal is to integrate multimodal data to improve prediction beyond conventional imaging alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 with either residual type B dissection after surgical repair of type A aortic dissection or medically managed chronic type B aortic dissection who can undergo MRI and give informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot have MRI (metal implants, claustrophobia), who have severe renal failure precluding gadolinium, who are pregnant, or who cannot consent are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the digital twin approach could allow earlier, more personalized detection of aneurysm progression and better timing of interventions, potentially reducing emergency ruptures.
How similar studies have performed: While 4D-flow MRI and circulating biomarkers have shown promise separately for understanding aortic disease, combining them into a personalized digital twin for predicting dissection progression is largely novel and remains experimental.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Person who has given written consent * Age \> 18 years * Patient with type A aortic dissection with surgical indication for replacement * Patient with chronic type B aortic dissection, monitored and managed medically, not operated on Exclusion Criteria: * Persons not affiliated with or not covered by a social security scheme * Persons subject to legal protection measures (guardianship) * Persons subject to judicial protection measures * Pregnant women, women in labour or breastfeeding * Adults who are incapacitated or unable to give their consent * Contraindications to MRI: claustrophobia, non-MRI-compatible metal implants, suspected metal foreign body * Severe renal failure (clearance \<30ml/min according to Cockroft due to gadolinium injection) * Uncontrolled asthma * Patients with acute type A aortic dissection who died during or in the post-operative period following surgery to repair the dissection * Patients with a known allergy to gadolinium-based contrast agents * Patients treated for type B aortic dissection who underwent surgery
Where this trial is running
Dijon
- Chu Dijon Bourgogne — Dijon, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alain Lalande
- Email: alain.lalande@u-bourgogne.fr
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.