Using eye images to detect coronary artery disease

Deep Learning Algorithm for Detecting Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease Using Fundus Photographs

Observational Beijing Anzhen Hospital · NCT06102226

This study is testing whether analyzing eye images with artificial intelligence can help find coronary artery disease in patients before they have heart tests.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment7000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Anzhen Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, 北京)
Trial IDNCT06102226 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study explores the use of deep learning algorithms to analyze retinal fundus photographs for the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). By leveraging artificial intelligence, the study aims to create a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool that can identify CAD in patients scheduled for coronary angiography. The approach seeks to establish a novel method for early screening and predictive modeling of coronary heart disease risk, addressing the current lack of effective diagnostic tools in this area.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have clinically suspected coronary artery disease and are scheduled for coronary angiography.

Not a fit: Patients with prior coronary interventions, other significant heart diseases, or those unable to have their eye photographs taken may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive and efficient method for early detection of coronary artery disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the application of AI in medical imaging is gaining traction, this specific approach using retinal fundus images for CAD detection is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Eligible participants were ≥ 18 years of age, with clinically suspected CAD, and were scheduled for coronary angiography.

Exclusion Criteria:

The exclusion criteria were as follows: (i) prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); (ii) prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG); (iii) other heart disease (e.g., congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, or macrovascular disease); (iv) inability to have photographs taken; and (v) and a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Prior to the coronary angiography procedure, all eligible patients provided informed consent to participate in the study and to have their photographs used for research purposes.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, 北京

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 Coronary Artery DiseaseArtificial Heart Device User
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.