Novel MRI Techniques for Imaging Cardiac Fibrosis to Improve Clinical Practice in Patients with Renal Failure

Within the approved research plan, Aim 3 focuses on longitudinal imaging of individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To date, thirty ESRD patients have been recruited for initial examination with MRI, with the majority consenting to return for 1 year follow up studies. As of December 30, 2016 only 12 individuals will have completed their 1 year follow up examination. Between January 1, 2017 and April 30, 2017 an additional 18 patients are scheduled for 1 year follow up examination. Completion of these studies is crucial to the successful completion of the sub aim for Aim 3. In addition, we have recently extended the fibrosis imaging technique described in the project proposal to include a method for imaging of myocardial creatine. We aim to include characterization of myocardial creatine alongside imaging of myocardial fibrosis in future ESRD scans in order to combine tissue characterization and metabolism. The scope of work for this sub-award encompasses the following tasks. First, all remaining ESRD patients scheduled for 1 year follow up examinations will be imaged and the data analyzed between 01 January, 2017 and 30 April, 2017. Second, ELISA assays of suspected biomarkers must be completed on all blood collected from ESRD patients by 30 April, 2017. Third, myocardial creatine imaging (which will be performed alongside fibrosis imaging during the same scan session) necessitates the recruitment and imaging of a new healthy control cohort of 30 individuals. All imaging and data analysis must be completed by 30 April, 2017. Finally, analysis of the data which has been collected to date for Aim 2 and Aim 3A must be completed and manuscripts prepared for submission by 30 April, 2017. In order to complete the aforementioned work, the sub-award will be supporting the efforts of three individuals. Dr. Tori Stromp (Scientist III) represents the only key personnel and will be responsible for overseeing the sub-award, performing fibrosis imaging, analyzing fibrosis imaging data, and manuscript preparation. Mr. Wissam Hameed AlGhurabi (graduate student) will be responsible for performing creatine imaging on ESRD patients and on the new cohort of healthy control subjects. He will be responsible for all data analysis. Finally, Ms. Rebecca Kidney (technician) will be responsible for patient/subject contact and recruitment, consenting subjects, performing blood draws and ELISA assays.