Abstract
BackgroundIschemic heart disease (IHD) is the most common cause of heart failure (HF); however, the role of revascularization in these patients is still unclear. Consensus on proper use of cardiac imaging to help determine which candidates should be considered for revascularization has been hindered by the absence of clinical studies that objectively and prospectively compare the prognostic information of each test obtained using both standard and advanced imaging.Methods/DesignThis paper describes the design and methods to be used in the Alternative Imaging Modalities in Ischemic Heart Failure (AIMI-HF) multi-center trial. The primary objective is to compare the effect of HF imaging strategies on the composite clinical endpoint of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest and re-hospitalization for cardiac causes.In AIMI-HF, patients with HF of ischemic etiology (n = 1,261) will follow HF imaging strategy algorithms according to the question(s) asked by the physicians (for example, Is there ischemia and/or viability?), in agreement with local practices. Patients will be randomized to either standard (SPECT, Single photon emission computed tomography) imaging modalities for ischemia and/or viability or advanced imaging modalities: cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) or positron emission tomography (PET). In addition, eligible and consenting patients who could not be randomized, but were allocated to standard or advanced imaging based on clinical decisions, will be included in a registry.DiscussionAIMI-HF will be the largest randomized trial evaluating the role of standard and advanced imaging modalities in the management of ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. This trial will complement the results of the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) viability substudy and the PET and Recovery Following Revascularization (PARR-2) trial. The results will provide policy makers with data to support (or not) further investment in and wider dissemination of alternative ‘advanced’ imaging technologies.Trial registrationNCT01288560
Highlights
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most common cause of heart failure (HF); the role of revascularization in these patients is still unclear
Alternative Imaging Modalities in Ischemic Heart Failure (AIMI-HF) will be the largest randomized trial evaluating the role of standard and advanced imaging modalities in the management of ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. This trial will complement the results of the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) viability substudy and the positron emission tomography (PET) and Recovery Following Revascularization (PARR-2) trial
It is believed that most patients with symptoms of significant ischemia may benefit from revascularization, decisions regarding revascularization in those with advanced ventricular dysfunction and no significant ischemia are complex, and the applicability of current clinical trial data is often challenged by limited patient selection
Summary
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most common cause of heart failure (HF); the role of revascularization in these patients is still unclear. Consensus on proper use of cardiac imaging to help determine which candidates should be considered for revascularization has been hindered by the absence of clinical studies that objectively and prospectively compare the prognostic information of each test obtained using both standard and advanced imaging. Over the past three decades, information describing cardiac structure, function, perfusion, hemodynamics, and metabolism obtained from noninvasive cardiac imaging studies has been used to guide management decisions for patients with HF. This anatomic and physiologic information adds value to clinical care, an accepted strategy is still debated regarding the optimal testing sequence approach to efficiently identify the treatment strategy most likely to improve outcomes. Uniformity of reporting formats needs to be improved in order to provide a clearer working scheme for clinicians
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
