Clinical Research Directory

Myocardial Perfusion CMR for Differentiating and Characterizing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Phenotypes

This observational study aims to evaluate myocardial perfusion abnormalities using quantitative and qualitative cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) perfusion imaging in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) phenotypes, including sarcomeric and non-sarcomeric HCM, Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD), and cardiac amyloidosis. The study will also include first-degree relatives of affected patients and genetic mutation carriers. By comparing myocardial blood flow and perfusion patterns across these different conditions, the study seeks to identify distinctive perfusion signatures that may improve diagnostic differentiation, support risk stratification, and provide insights into the role of ischemia in fibrosis progression, arrhythmias, and long-term outcomes.

Cardiovascular Multimodality Imaging Study

Determining the etiology of cardiomyopathy is of high clinical importance for optimal treatment strategy and prediction of prognosis. There is increased risk for cardiovascular disease and higher propensity for cardiovascular related mortality among Black and non-Hispanic White patients. Recently, advanced cardiac imaging has become a vital tool in diagnosis and risk stratification of cardiovascular disease. Very limited data is available on the prevalence and characteristics of different cardiovascular diseases in Hispanic and African American minority groups, therefore, studying different racial and ethnic minority groups in the Bronx population is an exceptionally valuable source to determine the prevalence of cardiomyopathies among minority groups along with study survival in this population. This study aims to determine the etiology of cardiovascular disease in a diverse patient population by utilizing various cardiovascular imaging modalities, with a focus on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and to develop risk stratification models by applying advanced cardiovascular imaging markers.

Fabry Disease in High-risk Patients With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Prevalence and Implementation of a Clinical Score

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of Fabry Disease (FD) among a cohort of high risk patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) presenting at the University Hospital Würzburg over the last 20 years. Fabry disease is a rare disease that is known to be consistently underdiagnosed due to its largely variable symptoms. Considering that an early Fabry diagnosis is crucial for maximum benefit from therapies available, screening for Fabry patients can contribute to preventing development and worsening of symptoms in Fabry patients with LVH. In addition, a positive diagnosis in a family member opens the possibility to diagnose further family members in an earlier stage of the disease, therefore allowing treatment of symptoms and organ manifestations before they become irreversible.