Imaging activated macrophages in cardiac sarcoidosis using 64Cu-DOTATATE

Macrophage PET/CT Imaging for the Diagnosis of Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Observational Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT06131112

This study is testing a new type of PET/CT scan using a special tracer to see if it can better identify heart inflammation caused by sarcoidosis in patients who may have the condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment76 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark Academic / other
Locations1 site (Copenhagen)
Trial IDNCT06131112 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of 64Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging for identifying activated macrophages in patients suspected of having cardiac sarcoidosis. It is an open-label, prospective observational study involving 54 participants, including those with clinically suspected or confirmed cardiac sarcoidosis and a control group of patients with neuroendocrine tumors. The study seeks to improve upon the limitations of the current diagnostic method, 18F-FDG PET/CT, by using a tracer that requires less patient preparation and minimizes adverse effects. Participants will undergo PET/CT scans to assess the presence of macrophage infiltration in the heart.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with clinically suspected or confirmed cardiac sarcoidosis, acute lymphocytic myocarditis, or neuroendocrine tumors without inflammatory heart disease.

Not a fit: Patients with severe obesity, pregnancy, severe claustrophobia, known allergies to 64Cu-DOTATATE, or clinically critical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate and less invasive diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of 64Cu-DOTATATE for this specific purpose is novel, similar imaging approaches have shown promise in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age =\> 18 years
* Group A: 22 patients with clinically suspected cardiac sarcoidosis Group B: 22 patients with known cardiac sarcoidosis Group C: Up to 10 patients with clinically suspected or confirmed acute lymphocytic myocarditis Group D: 22 patients with NET without known inflammatory heart disease who have previously been scanned with 64Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT as part of their routine diagnostic work-up or follow-up (control group)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe obesity (weight \> 140 kg)
* Pregnancy (negative point-of-care urine/serum human chorion gonadotropin is required in all fertile women)
* Severe claustrophobia
* Known allergy to 64Cu-DOTATATE
* Clinically critical condition which makes PET/CT impossible
* Diabetes with insulin dependence

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen

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 Cardiac Sarcoidosis
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.