The Effect Of Statin And Colchicine On Pericoronary Adipose Tissue Inflammation And Coronary Artery Plaque Progression: Insights From Cardiac Computed Tomography Using Pericoronary Adipose Tissue Attenuation And Radiomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,396.00
Summary
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. Inflammation is a key driver of harmful build-up of cholesterol plaques in arteries. Currently it is unclear how to detect patients with high level of inflammation. We examine a new approach to detect coronary inflammation using CT coronary angiography (CTCA). We investigate how to utilise CTCA to guide targeted therapy with statin and colchicine in patients with residual inflammation to reduce risk of future heart attack.
Breast Arterial Calcification And Cardiovascular Disease – Exploring Mechanisms And Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Heart disease remains the major of cause of death in women in the Western world and current methods of screening women for heart disease are out-dated and inaccurate. Calcification in the breast arteries that can be diagnosed on screening mammograms has been associated with future heart disease. This may represent a unique way to screen and treat patients for heart disease without the need for additional testing and our research program aims to investigate this.
CompUted Tomography Coronary Angiography, Transthoracic Echocardiography AnD Assessment Of AssOciation Between Obesity, Weight ReductioN And Coronary Plaque (CUTDOWN)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death. This project will investigate the links between obesity, heart attacks and abnormal heart function and the impact of weight loss on these detrimental effects in patients who have had a heart attack. This research aims to better understand mechanisms that may prevent future heart attacks and improve heart function.
The Role Of New Generation Multidetector Row CT For Identification And Management Of Vulnerable Plaque At Risk Of Acute Coronary Syndrome : A Prospective Observational And Interventional Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,326.00
Summary
Heart attack remains one of the major cause of death. This is usually due to rupture of a plaque (due to cholesterol buildup) in the major heart arteries. Studies using invasive ultrasound have identified some features of plaque that are at high risk of rupture. These plaques are referred to as "vulnerable plaque". Recent developments in the computed tomography (CT) technology which is a non-invasive technique has enabled us to also identify these features. However thus far, no prospective large
Very Fast, Accurate And Low Dose Imaging For Radiotherapy Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,651.00
Summary
This project will reduce scan times and imaging dose by an order of magnitude for an imaging modality that is the standard of care for lung cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Specifically, scan times reduce from 4min to below 60sec, image quality will be improved and imaging dose will be reduced by 85%. These improvements not only improve treatment efficacy by improving the accuracy of radiotherapy delivery, they reduce treatment times and reduce discomfort to the patient.
Risk Stratification And Early Interventions In Pulmonary Vascular Disease: From Acute Pulmonary Embolisms To Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,682.00
Summary
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common, potentially life-threatening condition with up to 50% of survivors developing long-term complications, which are associated with breathlessness, functional limitation and risk of premature death if not diagnosed and treated promptly. This project investigates the use of non-invasive scan techniques and exercise testing for early detection of these complications. The project will also explore new drug targets to treat these complications.
The Influence Of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation On Myocardial Structure And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,218.00
Summary
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has given options to elderly patients who were previously faced with an open-heart operation. Our research utilises CT scans to determine the anatomical and physiological effects this new technology has on the heart. This research will help to guide the ongoing development and refinement of this technology. The research has the potential to revolutionise how aortic stenosis is assessed and timing of intervention is determined.
Towards The Clinical Application Of Phase-contrast Computed Tomography In Breast Cancer Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,659.00
Summary
Imaging used for breast cancer screening misses between 15-40% of cancers and uses radiation and painful patient compression. We introduce phase contrast computed tomography, which for the first time clinically since 1895, will exploit X-ray refraction rather than X-ray absorption. Our pilot data demonstrated an increased image signal, offering significantly improved cancer detection, reduced radiation dose and lower tissue compression. This work will include the world-first patient trial.