Using cardiac MRI before invasive coronary angiography for suspected NSTEMI patients

The Karolinska Pilot Study for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Prior to Invasive Coronary Angiography in Patients With Suspected Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Observational Region Stockholm · NCT06566625

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 typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRegion Stockholm Government
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT06566625 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for CMR, such as severe renal impairment or certain arrhythmias, will not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Stockholm

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 Non-ST Elevation Myocardial InfarctionAcute Coronary SyndromeCMRMRICardiac MRICardiac Magnetic ResonanceCardiac Magnetic Resonance imagingAMI
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.