Examining heart scar tissue in patients with congenital heart disease using MRI

Atrial Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Patients with Repaired Congenital Heart Disease

Observational Boston Children's Hospital · NCT05241418

This study is testing how well MRI can show heart scar tissue in people with congenital heart disease to help doctors better understand and treat atrial arrhythmias.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages13 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05241418 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the visualization of scar tissue in the hearts of patients with congenital heart disease through cardiac MRI. It focuses on how MRI findings correlate with electrophysiology laboratory results in patients undergoing procedures for atrial arrhythmias. Participants will receive standard cardiac MRI as part of their clinical care, along with additional imaging to enhance understanding of atrial fibrosis and its implications for treatment outcomes. The study seeks to improve management strategies for patients with congenital heart disease experiencing atrial arrhythmias.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients over 13 years old with congenital heart disease who are referred for cardiac MRI and require gadolinium as part of their clinical care.

Not a fit: Patients with self-reported anxiety, claustrophobia, or those with a permanent pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with congenital heart disease and atrial arrhythmias, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of 3D late gadolinium enhancement has shown promise in adults with structurally normal hearts, its application in congenital heart disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients \>13 years old with congenital heart disease referred for cardiac MRI and receiving gadolinium as part of routine clinical care or for pre-ablation planning will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those with self-reported anxiety or claustrophobia and/or the presence of a permanent pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 Congenital Heart DiseaseFibrosis MyocardialFibrosisHeartLate gadolinium enhancement3D late gadolinium enhancementatrial late gadolinium enhancementCardiac MRI
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.