Microplastics and nanoplastics in people with chronic coronary syndromes

Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndromes

Observational Azienda Ospedaliera "Sant'Andrea" · NCT07291609

This study will test whether tiny plastic particles (micro- and nanoplastics) can be detected in the coronary blood of adults with suspected or known chronic coronary syndromes who are having coronary CT and invasive angiography.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAzienda Ospedaliera "Sant'Andrea" Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Caserta and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07291609 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, multicenter observational project enrolling adults referred for coronary CT angiography who have a clinical indication for invasive coronary angiography. During invasive angiography, coronary blood samples will be collected and sent to a central core laboratory for centralized analysis of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and related biomarkers. Routine clinical care and treatment decisions will not be changed by participation. Patient dossiers and imaging will be uploaded to a core lab for standardized review and correlation with coronary plaque and stenosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults over 18 with suspected or known chronic coronary syndromes who undergo coronary CT angiography and have a clinical indication for invasive coronary angiography and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients without a usable coronary CT angiogram, with poor-quality CCTA, without ≥50% native coronary stenosis on CCTA, unable to undergo invasive angiography, or with life expectancy under one year from non-cardiac causes are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could reveal whether micro- and nanoplastics are present in coronary blood and suggest a possible environmental contributor to coronary plaque, informing future prevention or diagnostic work.

How similar studies have performed: This is largely a novel approach in coronary disease: a few early human studies have detected microplastics in blood or tissues, but links to coronary plaque and clinical outcomes remain unproven.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

ALL the following:

1. Age \> 18 years old;
2. Suspected or known chronic coronary syndromes undergoing coronary CT angiography;
3. Clinical indication to invasive coronary angiography;
4. Able to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Coronary CT angiography not available;
2. Poor quality CCTA;
3. Absence of native coronary stenosis \>=50% at CCTA;
4. Contraindications to invasive coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention
5. Life expectancy \< 1 year due to non-cardiac pathology

Where this trial is running

Caserta and 5 other locations

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 Chronic Coronary SyndromeMicroplasticsNanoplasticsCoronary Artery DiseaseCoronary PlaqueComputed TomographyPollution Exposure
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.