Using Spectral CT to Diagnose Myocarditis in Patients with Chest Pain

Role of Spectral CT in the Diagnosis of Myocarditis/MINOCA in Patients Undergoing cardioCT Investigations for Acute Chest Pain

Observational IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT06804278

This study is testing if a new type of CT scan can help doctors better diagnose myocarditis and other causes of chest pain in patients who might not have heart disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna)
Trial IDNCT06804278 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Spectral CT technology in diagnosing myocarditis and other non-myocarditis causes of acute chest pain in patients with low to intermediate probability of coronary artery disease. Participants will undergo CT examinations that utilize advanced imaging techniques to analyze myocardial tissue characteristics, such as edema and fibrosis. The study will collect clinical and laboratory data alongside imaging results to enhance diagnostic accuracy. By leveraging innovative imaging technology, the study seeks to improve the identification of cardiac conditions in emergency settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older experiencing acute chest pain with low to intermediate probability of coronary artery disease.

Not a fit: Patients with absolute contraindications to CT examinations or those whose CT scans are deemed non-diagnostic due to quality issues will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses of myocarditis and other cardiac conditions, improving patient outcomes in emergency care.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of Spectral CT is innovative, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other studies, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age greater than or equal to 18 years;
* patients with acute chest pain and indication for triple-rule-out CT or coronary CT examination, i.e. low/intermediate probability of acute coronary artery disease, ECG and/or troponin not diagnostic or altered;
* Obtaining informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Absolute contraindications to CT examination and/or iodinated mdc administration (i.e. pregnancy, severe renal impairment in non-dialysis patients with GFR \< 15-30 ml/min/1.73m2 );
* CT examinations that do not allow diagnostic information to be provided because they are assessed as quality too scarce and not interpretable (affected by artifacts such as motion artifacts)

Where this trial is running

Bologna

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 Cardiac Imaging TechniquesCardiac ImagingMyocardial DiseaseMyocarditis AcuteMinoca
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.