Investigating how lung diseases affect heart function

The Relationship Between Pulmonary and Cardiac Dysfunction and the Cardiac Effects of Pulmonary Treatments: Cardiopulmonary MRI Analysis

Observational RWTH Aachen University · NCT05042219

This study is trying to see how chronic lung diseases like COPD and asthma affect heart function in patients using special heart imaging techniques.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorRWTH Aachen University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aachen)
Trial IDNCT05042219 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the interactions between chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, bronchial asthma, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and their impact on cardiac function, particularly the left heart. It utilizes cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess cardiac function and dimensions, as well as myocardial inflammation in affected patients. The study seeks to fill the knowledge gap regarding the cardiopulmonary interactions that are not well understood, despite the known bidirectional relationship between the lungs and the right heart. By examining these interactions, the study hopes to provide valuable insights for clinicians treating patients with chronic lung conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years with chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis who require treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent, have contraindications to MRI, or significant cardiac arrhythmias may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how lung diseases influence heart function, leading to improved treatment strategies for patients with chronic lung conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the interactions between lung diseases and the right heart are well-studied, this investigation into the left heart's involvement is relatively novel and has not been extensively researched.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with chronic lung disease requiring treatment (COPD, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis).
* Age \> 18 years
* Informed consent to participate in the study will sign

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who are not fully capable of giving consent and understanding the nature, significance and scope of the study.
* Patients with contraindications to MRI examination (eg, pacemaker, severe claustrophobia) or to contrast medium use (severe renal insufficiency or glomerular filtration rate \<30 ml/min, known gadolinium contrast medium allergy)
* Patients with atrial fibrillation or other significant cardiac arrhythmias that interfere with cardiac MRI
* Pregnancy and lactation

Where this trial is running

Aachen

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 COPDBronchial AsthmaIdiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.