December 23, 2011

MRI gives a ‘better’ view of heart disease

A major clinical trial funded by us has shown that a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a better tool for diagnosing suspected coronary heart disease (CHD) than the most commonly used alternative.

The research was carried out at Leeds General Infirmary and could change how people, who may have CHD, are assessed by doctors. It could mean these people do not have to undergo an invasive examination or a scan involving radiation.

The five-year study, led by Dr John Greenwood from the University of Leeds, received a £1.3 million grant from us. This allowed the researchers to recruit over 750 patients with CHD and, for the first time, compare how effective MRI is against the current ‘gold standard’ diagnostic tests.

Professor Peter Weissberg, our Medical Director, said: “For patients suffering with chest pains, there are a number of tests that can be used to decide whether their symptoms are due to coronary heart disease or not. This research shows that an MRI scan is better than the most commonly used alternative - a SPECT scan using a radioactive tracer.

“MRI has the additional advantage that it doesn’t involve radiation. At present, not all hospitals have the expertise to undertake such scans but these findings provide clear evidence that MRI should be more widely used in the future.”  

The researchers hope their study will lead to a rethink of current guidance for diagnosing suspected heart disease. This means that, in the future, doctors may have this additional option to help them safely and accurately diagnose heart disease.