Impact of FDG-PET/CT on Management of Patients with Native Valve Infective Endocarditis
This study is investigating how a useful medical scan, called a FDG-PET/CT, helps doctors make decisions about care for people with a serious heart infection. This infection, called native valve infective endocarditis, affects the natural valves in the heart. The study is for adults over 18 who are suspected of having this condition and have been referred for this specific scan. It's an observational study, meaning researchers will carefully watch and collect information from patients at several hospitals to understand how the scan influences their treatment plans. People with artificial heart valves, pacemakers, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a very high BMI are not included.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a heart infection called infective endocarditis, specifically when it affects your natural heart valves (not artificial ones). This infection can be serious, and doctors need the best tools to understand it and decide on the right treatment.
Researchers want to see how a special type of scan, called an FDG-PET/CT, helps doctors manage patients with this suspected infection. This scan is like a combination of two scans: a PET scan, which shows activity inside your body, and a CT scan, which takes detailed pictures. The study aims to see how knowing the results of this scan changes the decisions doctors make about your care. This helps them understand if using this scan regularly leads to better care for patients.
This is an "observational" study, which means doctors will be watching what happens to patients who are already having this scan as part of their usual care. They will collect information from these patients at different hospitals to learn more. It's not testing a new medicine or treatment, but rather observing how an existing diagnostic tool helps with patient management.
Key takeaways
- Study looks at how a specific scan (FDG-PET/CT) helps doctors treat a heart infection.
- It's for adults over 18 suspected of having infective endocarditis of a natural heart valve.
- Researchers will observe existing medical care, not give new treatments.
- Study aims to improve future care for patients with this condition.
- Participants must be able to have the PET/CT scan and not have certain other conditions (e.g., artificial heart valves, pregnancy).
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and able to understand and agree to participate. You must also have been referred for an FDG-PET/CT scan because doctors suspect you might have infective endocarditis affecting a natural heart valve. It's also important that you are fit enough to have the scan, as it involves lying still for a period.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have an artificial heart valve or certain heart devices like a pacemaker. Pregnant or breastfeeding women also can't take part, nor can individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 45 kg/m2 (which means you'd be considered very overweight).
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?
- Have your doctors suggested you might have an infection of your natural heart valve?
- Are you scheduled to have a FDG-PET/CT scan?
- Are you able to comfortably lie down for the scan?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? (If yes, you likely can't join)
- Do you have an artificial heart valve or a pacemaker? (If yes, you likely can't join)
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you won't be receiving new treatments or medications just for the study. Instead, researchers will collect information as you go through your usual medical care for suspected infective endocarditis, which will include having an FDG-PET/CT scan. This is an observational study, so it mainly involves researchers collecting and reviewing your medical records and the results of your scans and other tests. The total duration of your involvement would be for the period your doctors are monitoring your condition and making treatment decisions based on the scan results.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (6)
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Universite de MontrealVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Not yet recruiting
- Montreal Heart InstituteVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Recruiting
- Jewish General HospitalVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Recruiting
- McGill University Health CenterVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Not yet recruiting
- University Institute of Cardiology and Respirology of QuebecVerified postcodeQuébec, Canada· Not yet recruiting
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Universite de SherbrookeVerified postcodeSherbrooke, Canada· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is infective endocarditis?
It's a serious infection of the inner lining of your heart, usually affecting one of your natural heart valves.
What is a FDG-PET/CT scan?
It's a special type of scan that combines two imaging methods to show detailed pictures of your body and any areas of infection or inflammation.
Will I get a new treatment in this study?
No, this study is just observing how your doctors use information from an existing scan to help manage your care. You won't receive new treatments specifically for the study.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes, all your medical information collected for the study will be kept confidential and private.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, and it will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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