PET/MR Imaging In Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis

PET scanning (positron emission tomography) is a well-established technique used to identify areas of interest within the body. It involves injecting a radioactive tracer which highlights abnormal areas. It has recently been combined with CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanning to more accurately identify abnormalities within the heart. Cardiac sarcoidosis, a condition which causes scarring and inflammation within the heart muscle, is of particular interest.

The study makes use of hybrid PET/MR scanning using a designated scanner which enables PET scanning combined with MRI scanning. This will allow imaging of abnormal areas within the heart in this condition alongside treatment regimens in a way which hasn't been done before. If successful, this imaging method will play a key role in diagnosing, quantifying and monitoring these conditions.

All participants will undergo PET scanning, where a radioactive tracer is injected into a vein before the scan. The radioactive substance only lasts for a short time and is safe, passed out of the body in urine. The scan will be performed twice; once before treatment and once after treatment has been established. A cohort of healthy volunteers will undergo scanning in exactly the same way to enable us to compare the results with hearts of people who don't have cardiac sarcoidosis.