LICAMM Defining Intracavitary flow and it is relationship to myocardial structure in cardiac disease

Cardiac Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) four-dimensional flow (4D flow) is an advanced technology allowing to define the change in flow in the left ventricle and main heart vessels. Research has shown the potential additional value of this technique in many diseases including congenital heart disease and patients with myocardial infarction.<br /> <br /> The heart is constituted by heart chambers where the blood flows with specific hemodynamic characteristics such as energy and pressure. Changes in flow within the cavity have an effect on the cardiac muscle and the structure of the heart and consequently on the progression of disease.

<p>This project will investigate (a) how 4D flow changes in patients with progressively worsening cardiac disease such as myocardial infarction and aortic stenosis) (b) how it associates with the changes in function of the heart. The project will take advantage of advanced cardiac MRI techniques (4D flow) allowing to assess kinetic energy and change in intracavitary pressure. <br /> The student will have a motivating and supportive supervision team comprising clinical, engineering scientists with rich opportunities for independent and team learning in hypothesis development, experimental design strategy, MRI techniques, data analysis, research ethics, scientific critique, literature reviewing, report writing, publication and conference presentation.</p> <h5>References</h5> <ul> <li>Kamani CH, Lwin M, Botis I, Asad M, Sharrack N, Schapira H, Das A, Swoboda PP, Plein S, Van der Geest RJ, Dall'Armellina E. Left ventricular flow kinetics and myocardial deformation following acute infarction: Additional predictive value of cardiac magnetic resonance four-dimensional flow for left ventricular remodeling post-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2025 Winter;27(2):101905. doi: 10.1016/j.jocmr.2025.101905.</li> <li>Das A, Kelly C, Ben-Arzi H, van der Geest RJ, Plein S, Dall'Armellina E. Acute intra-cavity 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance predicts long-term adverse remodelling following ST-elevation myocardial infarction. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2022 Nov 21;24(1):64. doi: 10.1186/s12968-022-00889-7. </li> <li>Garg, Pankaj Crandon, Saul, Swoboda, Peter P., Fent, Graham J., Foley, James R. J., Chew, Pei G., Brown, Louise A. E., Vijayan, Sethumadhavan, Hassell, Mariëlla E. C. J., Nijveldt, Robin, Bissell, Malenka, Elbaz, Mohammed S. M., Al-Mohammad, Abdallah, Westenberg, Jos J. M., Greenwood, John P., van der Geest, Rob J., Plein, Sven and Dall’Armellina, Erica (2018) Left ventricular blood flow kinetic energy after myocardial infarction - insights from 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, 20. ISSN 1097-6647</li> </ul>

<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 planned programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements. The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine for 2027/28 is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p>This project is open to applicants who have the funding to support their own studies or who have a sponsor who will cover these costs.</p>

<p>For further information about the admissions process please contact the Faculty Admissions Team:<br /> e:<a href="mailto:hlspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">hlspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>