Recruiting

Testing a new MRI scan method to detect heart artery disease

Plain-English translation of NCT03504956 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated September 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This research study is testing a new type of MRI scan designed to better detect and characterize plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. Researchers will compare this new MRI method with standard CT scans and other imaging tests to see if it can accurately identify heart artery disease. The study will include both healthy volunteers and patients who have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having coronary artery disease.

Current methods for detecting heart artery disease sometimes require invasive procedures or radiation exposure. This study aims to develop a better, safer MRI scanning technique that could help doctors identify heart artery disease more accurately without these drawbacks.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you are healthy with no history of heart disease (for the healthy volunteer group), or you have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having coronary artery disease (for the patient group)
you have a BMI under 30 (for healthy volunteers)
you are able to hold your breath for short periods during scanning
you do not have claustrophobia or severe anxiety in enclosed spaces

You likely don't qualify if…

you have metal implants, pacemakers, or other electronic devices in your body that cannot be in an MRI
you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
you have severe kidney disease or your kidney function is too low to safely receive contrast dye
you have had a previous severe allergic reaction to gadolinium contrast dye or animal dander
you are unable to follow study instructions or attend scheduled visits

What participation looks like

You will come to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for one or more MRI scans of your heart. Depending on the study phase when you enroll, you may receive either a standard MRI scan without dye or an enhanced scan with a dye injected into your vein to help improve the images. The scan typically takes less than an hour, and you'll need to hold your breath briefly during image capture. If you are a patient with known heart disease, your MRI results will be compared with any other imaging tests (like CT scans) you may have had at the hospital.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Sep 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California