Evaluating Heart Stiffness in Elderly Patients with Diastolic Heart Failure

Noninvasive Elastography Evaluation of Myocardial Stiffness in Elderly Patients With Isolated Diastolic Heart Failure: New Diagnostic Tool?

Not applicable Interventional French Cardiology Society · NCT03895541

This study is testing a new ultrasound method to see if it can help doctors better understand heart stiffness in older patients with diastolic heart failure.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorFrench Cardiology Society Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Paris)
Trial IDNCT03895541 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess myocardial stiffness in elderly patients suffering from isolated diastolic heart failure using a novel noninvasive imaging technique called ultrafast ultrasound. The approach utilizes ultrasonic radiation pressure to create a quantitative map of tissue elasticity, which can provide insights into heart function. By focusing on diastolic rigidity, the study seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy for heart failure, which is often challenging in clinical practice. The technology has been validated in experimental models and aims to offer a reliable diagnostic tool for clinicians.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include elderly patients hospitalized for acute pulmonary edema with elevated natriuretic peptide levels and specific echocardiographic findings.

Not a fit: Patients with other lung pathologies, significant heart disease, or contraindications to imaging techniques may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses of diastolic heart failure, improving patient management and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using advanced imaging techniques have shown promise in improving heart failure diagnostics.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Global Inclusion Criteria:

* Hospitalization in cardiology services for acute pulmonary edema during heart failure
* Natriuretic peptide type B ≥35 pg/ml
* Echocardiographic structural alteration

Specific Inclusion criteria

* Group "preserved LVEF": Left ventricular Ejection Fraction ≥50%
* Group "moderate alteration of LVEF": Left ventricular Ejection Fraction between 40% and 49%
* Group "Systolic heart failure": Left ventricular Ejection Fraction\< 40%

Global Exclusion Criteria:

* Other associated lung pathology
* Other heart disease
* Contraindication to MRI or echocardiography gel
* Pregnancy
* Poor echogenicity,

Where this trial is running

Paris

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiovascular Diseases in Old Ageheart failuremyocardial rigiditynew diagnosisultrasound imaging
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.