LICAMM CMR assessment of the link between myocardial microstructure and microvascular perfusion

The spatial interaction between the vessels and the arrangement of the cardiomyocytes is crucial to maintain an efficient delivery of oxygen to the cells. Current imaging techniques allow for the assessment of myocardial blood flow as indirect measurement of perfusion but lack to quantify the actual efficiency of oxygen delivery in the context of the 3D myocardial architecture.

<p>Knowledge of the spatial relationship between structure and microvessels is particularly crucial in cardiac disease as it impacts directly on oxygen delivery. Recent technical developments in diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging could potentially allow for investigating the perfusion system in relation to cardiomyocyte architecture in more detail and provide new biomarkers of cardiac disease. Using advanced CMR techniques, we propose to a) establish baseline parameters and reproducibility in volunteers b) will investigate the clinical utility of new biomarkers in patients with cardiac disease such as patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and aortic valve stenosis. the Ultimate aim is to establish a clinically useful technique for early risk stratification of patients.</p>

<p>Please note these are not standalone projects and applicants must apply to the PhD academy directly.</p> <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. </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’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 Medicine, Health & Human 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 biological sciences, dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, psychology 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: • British Council IELTS - score of 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5 • Internet Based TOEFL - overall score of 95 with not less than 22 in listening, 22 in reading, 24 in speaking and 22 in writing

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