Myocardial perfusion, interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte volume in the development of cardiac hypertrophy measured with contrast-enhanced MRI

Recent pre-clinical studies have indicated that in addition to measures of myocardial perfusion and interstitial fibrosis, contrast-enhanced MRI may be sensitive to changes in cardiomyocyte volume due to limitations in the rate of water exchange across the cell wall [1]. This is a potentially useful measure of early cardiac hypertrophy but the sensitivity and precision of such measurements has not yet been established.

<h3>Methods:</h3> <p>Simulation studies will be undertaken to determine the sensitivity of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to changes in cardiomyocyte volume. The effect of multiple contrast agent injections and changes in the way in which the MRI data are acquired will be assessed. Once an optimized imaging protocol is designed, MRI studies will be performed in volunteers and subsequently in patients before and after surgical aortic valve replacement. Estimates of myocardial perfusion, cardiomyocyte and interstitial volume will be obtained from those data.</p> <h3>Outcomes:</h3> <p>The project will produce recommendations for optimized MR imaging protocols to measure cardiomyocyte volume and assess the effect of aortic valve replacement on the parameters measured.</p> <h3>References:</h3> <ul> <li>Coelho-Filho OR, Mongeon FP, Mitchell R, Moreno H, Jr., Nadruz W, Jr., Kwong R, et al. Role of transcytolemmal water-exchange in magnetic resonance measurements of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in hypertensive heart disease. Circulation: Cardiovasc Imaging. 2013;6(1):134-41.</li> </ul>

<p>Applications can be made at any time. You should complete an <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-graduate-school/doc/apply-2">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support your application.&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks (or marks so far if still studying)</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the programme&rsquo;s minimum English language requirements (if applicable, see requirement below)</li> <li>Evidence of funding to support your studies</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul>

A degree in physics, maths, engineering or computer science or a good honours degree in a subject relevant to the research topic. A Masters degree in a relevant subject may also be required in some areas of the Faculty. For entry requirements for all other research degrees we offer, please contact us.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The minimum requirements for this programme in IELTS and TOEFL tests are: &bull; British Council IELTS - score of 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5 &bull; TOEFL iBT - overall score of 100 with the listening and reading element no less than 22, writing element no less than 23 and the speaking element no less than 24.

<p>For further information please contact the Faculty Graduate School&nbsp;<br /> e:<a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>