Using cardiac MRI before invasive coronary angiography for suspected NSTEMI patients
Official title: The Karolinska Pilot Study for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Prior to Invasive Coronary Angiography in Patients With Suspected Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Run by Region Stockholm · NCT06566625 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if doing a cardiac MRI before an invasive heart procedure can help doctors better diagnose NSTEMI in patients and possibly reduce the need for that procedure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Region Stockholm Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm, Sweden) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 17, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06566625 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who exhibit signs of acute coronary syndrome with an initial ECG showing no ST-elevation and are scheduled for invasive coronary angiography.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications for CMR, such as severe renal impairment or certain arrhythmias, 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 observational pilot study, conducted at Karolinska University Hospital, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of performing cardiac MRI (CMR) prior to planned invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in patients suspected of having non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The study will include 150 patients, both with and without a history of myocardial infarction, and will utilize standard CMR protocols alongside novel techniques such as magnetic resonance angiography. The findings from the CMR will be kept blinded from the treating physicians to ensure unbiased clinical decisions, except in cases of unexpected adverse findings. The goal is to determine if a CMR-first approach can accurately diagnose NSTEMI and potentially reduce the need for ICA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate diagnoses and reduced unnecessary invasive procedures for patients with NSTEMI.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using CMR prior to ICA is gaining traction, this specific study is among the first to validate this method in a Swedish healthcare setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥18 years of age Suspected NSTEMI (signs and symptoms suggest of ACS with initial ECG showing no ST-elevation) * Planned ICA where CMR can be performed without delaying ICA * Able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications for CMR examination with gadolinium contrast (claustrophobia, eGFR \<30ml/min/1.73m2, contrast allergy, and non-MRI compatible implants) * Arrythmias which hinder CMR examination * Previous CABG * Hemodynamic instability * Myocardial infarction \<6 months prior to inclusion
Where it's running
-
Karolinska University Hospital
Stockholm, Sweden, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marcus E Carlsson, Professor — Karolinska Insitutet and Karolinska University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Daniel F Andersson, M.D.
- Email: daniel.f.andersson@ki.se
- Phone: +46 702319573
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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.