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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Using imaging techniques to identify risks for sudden cardiac death

Official title: Functional Energetics and Imaging for Phenotypic Characterization of Patients at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

Run by Johns Hopkins University · NCT00181233 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if advanced imaging techniques like MRI and CT can help identify heart disease patients who are at high risk for sudden cardiac death and might benefit from an implantable defibrillator.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment400 (estimated)
SponsorJohns Hopkins University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 2003
Main results expectedFebruary 2028
Study endsJuly 2029
Registry record updatedJanuary 14, 2026
Trial IDNCT00181233 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% or less who are scheduled for ICD implantation for primary prevention.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of sudden death or contraindications to MRI 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 study aims to explore the effectiveness of advanced imaging techniques, specifically magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), in identifying patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death. It focuses on individuals with heart disease and a weakened heart muscle who are scheduled for implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). By assessing the electrical activity of the heart through these imaging methods, the study seeks to determine which patients are most likely to benefit from the ICD's electrical response. The findings could lead to better risk stratification and management of patients with heart conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the identification of patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death, leading to more targeted and effective interventions.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored imaging techniques for cardiac risk assessment, but this specific approach is novel in its focus on sudden cardiac death risk prediction.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Left ventricular ejection fraction \<or = 35%
* Planned implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation for clinical indications (primary prevention)

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of sudden death (secondary prevention)
* Contraindication to undergoing MRI (metallic implant, pacemaker, etc.)

Where it's running

  • Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Katherine C Wu, MD — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Barbara Butcher, RN
  • Email: bbutche1@jhmi.edu
  • Phone: 443-287-3472

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.