MCE Molecular Imaging for Myocarditis

MCE Molecular Imaging in Myocarditis

Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) is a serious condition that can cause heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, and death. Rapid diagnosis of this condition is key to reversing it. The purpose of this study is to determine whether myocarditis such as that which occurs with viral illness, autoimmune conditions, or certain therapies (i.e. immune checkpoint inhibitors) can be diagnosed using a new form of ultrasound imaging of the heart (echocardiography) that uses a contrast agent that is targeted to inflammation (Sonazoid).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years of age

• At least two of the following manifestations of myocarditis:

  1. new or suspected new high-sensitivity troponin >3 times upper limit of normal
  2. new or suspected new LV dysfunction with LVEF <50% or any segmental wall motion abnormality in the absence of prior ischemic event
  3. ECG changes consistent with myocarditis defined as either diffuse ST elevation or ST-T abnormalities that are documented to be new,
  4. unexplained severe ventricular arrhythmias,
  5. Cardiac MR evidence for myocarditis
  6. Predisposing condition or therapy associated with heightened risk of acute myocarditis (i.e. SARS-CoV-2, Parvovirus, Immune checkpoint inhibitors)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to obtain consent
• High pre-test likelihood for ACS based on ECG and history
• Pregnancy or planned pregnancy
• Lactation
• Allergy to ultrasound contrast agents or eggs
• Treatment with potent immunosuppressive therapy beyond corticosteroids
• Conditions associated with inflammatory myopathy (SLE, giant cell myocarditis, sarcoidosis, etc.)