Studying heart metabolism using MRI techniques

In Vivo Cardiac Metabolism in Normal, Ischemic, and Cardiomyopathic Patients During Rest and Stress

Observational Johns Hopkins University · NCT00181259

This study is testing if using MRI to look at heart metabolism can help us understand how energy issues in the heart might lead to heart failure in both healthy people and those with heart conditions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT00181259 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study utilizes magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the metabolism of cardiac muscle in both healthy individuals and patients with various heart conditions, including left ventricular hypertrophy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease. The goal is to determine if reduced energy metabolism contributes to heart failure and impaired heart function. By measuring heart metabolism non-invasively, the study aims to provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of heart failure without the need for blood sampling or tissue biopsies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with either heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary artery disease, or healthy individuals without a history of heart disease.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of heart metabolism in heart failure, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy have shown promise in understanding cardiac metabolism, suggesting this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age \> 18 years
* Healthy subjects: no history of heart disease
* Dilated cardiomyopathy: history of heart failure, ejection fraction (EF) \<40%
* Left ventricular hypertrophy: wall thickness \>1.2cm
* Coronary artery disease: \>50% coronary lesion or positive stress test

Exclusion Criteria:

* contraindication to MRI

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

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 Heart Failure, Congestive
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.