Using MRI to measure lung fluid in patients with acute heart failure

MRI Assessment of Pulmonary Edema in Acute Heart Failure

Observational University of Alberta · NCT03999138

This study is testing if using MRI can help measure lung fluid in people with acute heart failure to see if it can improve treatment and predict their chances of coming back to the hospital or facing serious issues later on.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Edmonton, Alberta and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03999138 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve the accuracy of measuring pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs, in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) using MRI technology. Researchers will assess lung water levels at the time of hospital admission and discharge to track changes during treatment. Additionally, the study will evaluate whether these measurements can predict the risk of hospital readmission or mortality related to heart failure. A total of 300 patients will be recruited from multiple centers, and their medical records will be followed for up to five years post-hospitalization.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are being treated for acute heart failure and are within 48 hours of starting diuretic therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are critically ill or have contraindications to MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better management of acute heart failure by providing more accurate assessments of lung fluid levels, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of MRI in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy for heart failure-related conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older and willing/able to provide informed consent
* patients being treated for acute heart failure (including those patients with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction)
* patients receiving medical therapy for pulmonary edema by current standard of care (including oral or IV diuretics)
* patients identified within 48 hours of initiation of medical therapy for pulmonary edema, defined as the time of first diuretic (IV or PO) or escalation of existing diuretic therapy administered within the ED or hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

* contraindication to MRI
* patient too critically ill/unstable as per the clinical care team for transport to MRI scanner within the required scanning window
* moderate to severe dementia

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta and 1 other locations

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 Acute Heart FailurePulmonary Edema With Heart Failure
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.