RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

MRI Assessment of Pulmonary Edema in Acute Heart Failure

Researchers are looking for a more accurate way to measure extra fluid in the lungs, often called "lung water," in people who have sudden heart failure. Currently, doctors estimate this with physical checks and X-rays. This study will use special MRI scans to get a much more precise measurement. They will take these scans when patients arrive at the hospital and again before they leave, to see how the fluid levels change with treatment. The main goal is to understand if these detailed measurements can help predict if a patient is likely to need hospital treatment again or face other problems related to their heart failure in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Enrolment target

300

Start

02 Jan 2019

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Acute Heart Failure Pulmonary Edema With Heart Failure

What is this study about?

Heart failure is a condition where your heart struggles to pump enough blood around your body. Acute heart failure means this problem has suddenly gotten worse, often leading to symptoms like breathlessness. This breathlessness is frequently caused by extra fluid building up in the lungs, sometimes called "lung water."

Doctors usually check for this fluid with basic exams and chest X-rays. However, this study aims to get a much more accurate measurement using a special type of scan called an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The researchers want to understand exactly how much fluid is in the lungs of people severely ill with heart failure, and how this amount changes as they receive treatment in the hospital. Currently, doctors don't know enough about these precise levels.

By getting these clear pictures, the study hopes to find out if measuring lung water accurately can help predict how well patients will do after leaving the hospital. This could include understanding who might be at higher risk of coming back to the hospital or facing other serious issues related to their heart failure in the years to come.

Key takeaways

The study uses MRI to get a clearer picture of lung fluid in heart failure.
It aims to see how lung fluid changes during your hospital stay.
Researchers want to know if these measurements can predict future health risks.
Participation involves MRI scans at admission and discharge, plus medical record follow-up.
Your standard medical care will not be changed by taking part.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older and are currently being treated in the hospital for a sudden worsening of your heart failure. This includes if you're receiving standard treatments to remove excess fluid from your lungs, such as water tablets (diuretics) given by mouth or through a drip.

To be included, you would need to be identified within 48 hours of starting treatment for this fluid build-up in your lungs when you arrived at the hospital or when your treatment was changed. You must also be able to understand the study information and agree to take part.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you can't have an MRI scan for medical reasons (like having certain metal implants), if you're too unwell to be safely moved for a scan, or if you have moderate to severe dementia.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently in hospital for a sudden worsening of your heart failure?
Are you receiving treatment for fluid in your lungs (like water tablets)?
Have you started this treatment within the last 48 hours?
Can you have an MRI scan safely (e.g., no pacemakers, certain metal implants)?
Do you feel well enough to be moved for a scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will have an MRI scan when you are admitted to the hospital and another one before you are discharged. These scans will look specifically at the fluid in your lungs. The study will also collect information from blood tests and chest X-rays that are already part of your usual care. After you leave the hospital, the study team will keep track of your medical records for up to 5 years to see how you are doing in the long term. This helps them understand if the lung fluid measurements can predict future health.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you'll have MRI scans, which are generally safe but may be uncomfortable for some people due to the enclosed space and noise. There are no direct personal benefits from participating in terms of receiving new treatments, as the study is observational. However, by taking part, you'd be helping researchers learn more about acute heart failure, which could improve care for others in the future. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

University of Alberta
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada· Active not recruiting
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'lung water'?

It's a simple way of describing extra fluid that builds up in your lungs, which often causes breathlessness in people with heart failure.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, without using X-rays or radiation.

Will I get an extra treatment?

No, this study is about measuring and understanding your condition. You will continue to receive your standard medical care as determined by your doctors.

How long will the study follow me?

The study team will check your medical records for up to 5 years after your hospital stay.

Can I change my mind after joining?

Yes, you can decide to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Ian Paterson, MD

dpaterson@ottawaheart.ca 613-696-7267 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.