Diagnosis and risk stratification in myocarditis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Diagnosis and risk stratification in myocarditis using cardiovascular magnetic resonance, detailed molecular markers and gene sequencing - a personalised approach
IRAS ID
220817
Contact name
Sanjay K Prasad
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. In the UK, one young person dies suddenly each week due to undiagnosed myocarditis. It can affect anyone at any age and is usually related to recent viral infection. The virus may have gone but the immune system over-reacts causing inflammation that can persist in the heart. Symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing and chest pain, which can mimic a heart attack. Many people get better but in a third of patients, the heart becomes weaker and enlarges (dilated cardiomyopathy). This represents the main indication for cardiac transplantation and therefore early detection and treatment are key priorities. \n\nCurrent diagnosis of myocarditis is challenging due to the lack of a specific blood test and the use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is often limited due to lack of access and the availability of newer mapping techniques. Guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology recommend that all patients with suspected myocarditis should undergo cardiac biopsy as the gold-standard diagnostic test for acute myocarditis. \n\nIn this study, we will determine the role of genetic testing to understand why some individuals may be more susceptible to progression to DCM, and measurement of protein expression to identify new biomarkers that could form future blood tests for diagnosis and monitoring disease activity. We will look at how these changes are associated with changes seen on the cardiac MRI. \n\nKnowing this information, clinicians could take early steps to start treatment, improve quality of life and prevent long-term problems in high-risk individuals defined by their genetic and biomarker profile.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0676
Date of REC Opinion
18 Sep 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion