Using 129Xe MRI to Diagnose and Monitor Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Official title: 129 Xenon MRI as a Biomarker for Diagnosis and Response to Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Run by Duke University · NCT06104228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special type of MRI can help doctors spot different types of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and track how the disease changes over time in people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 12, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06104228 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with either Idiopathic PAH or PAH associated with connective tissue disease, classified as WHO functional class 2 or 3.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pulmonary hypertension from causes other than Idiopathic PAH or PAH associated with connective tissue disease will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to identify unique pulmonary vascular biomarker signatures using 129Xe MRI to differentiate subtypes of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and to assess the ability of this imaging technique to monitor disease progression and response to therapy over time. A total of 20 subjects will be enrolled, with 10 having Idiopathic PAH and 10 with PAH associated with connective tissue disease. Participants will undergo 129Xe MRI scans at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, alongside standard assessments like echocardiography and six-minute walk distance. The primary endpoint focuses on changes in MRI signals over the study period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method for diagnosing and monitoring treatment responses in patients with PAH.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of MRI in PAH is emerging, this specific approach using 129Xe MRI is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Arm 1 -IPAH * Age: 18-75 years * WHO functional class 2 or 3 * Mean pulmonary artery pressures \> 20 mmHg * Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≤15 mmHg * Pulmonary vascular resistance \> 2 Wood Units (WU) * No other cause identified for PAH Arm 2 -PAH-CTD * Age: 18-75 years * WHO functional class (FC) 2 or 3 * Mean pulmonary artery pressures \> 20 mmHg * Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≤15 mmHg * Pulmonary vascular resistance \> 2 WU * Diagnosis of connective tissue disease Exclusion Criteria: * PH other than Idiopathic PAH or PAH associated with CTD; any conditions that prevent the performance of 129Xe MRI scans will be excluded from the study.
Where it's running
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Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fawaz Alenezi, MD — Duke Univeristy
- Study coordinator: Claudia Salazar
- Email: claudia.salazar@duke.edu
- Phone: +1 919 660 2026
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Rutgers Genetics of Pulmonary Hypertension
This online project will try to see if genetic differences affect the risk of pulmonary hypertension in U.S. adults, and anyone 18 or older can join whether or not they have PH.
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Registry of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Linked to Connective Tissue Diseases
This study is collecting information from patients with pulmonary hypertension linked to connective tissue diseases to see how the condition progresses and improve treatment over five years.
-
Understanding how low-load leg exercises affect muscle and blood flow in PAH patients
This substudy tests whether a gentle leg exercise program can change blood flow and oxygen use in the calf muscles of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Sotatercept in Japanese children with pulmonary arterial hypertension
This study tests whether sotatercept is safe and well tolerated in Japanese children with PAH when added to standard PAH treatment.
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DIAG723 in Adults With HHT
A first-in-human study tests DIAG723 versus placebo in adults with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia to see if it is safe and possibly helpful.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.