Early access
Sign in
Not yet taking people in United StatesEarly phase 1

Heart ultrasound with a contrast agent to detect myocarditis

Tests a new heart ultrasound to diagnose myocarditis in adults.

Key facts

Who runs it
University of Virginia
Where
Charlottesville, United StatesSee the site
Trial code
Registry title
MCE Molecular Imaging for Myocarditis
Status
Not yet recruiting
Phase
Early phase 1
People taking part
30 people, planned
Started
15 Sept 2026
Expected to end
1 Jul 2030
Type of study
Interventional
Treatments tested
  • Myocardial contrast echocardiography molecular imaging for inflammation
Record updated
20 August 2026

Who can take part

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for adults with suspected sudden heart inflammation (acute myocarditis). It tests a new heart ultrasound with a contrast agent (Sonazoid) that targets inflammation.

Age
18 years or older
Sex
All sexes
Disease stage
Suspected acute myocarditis with at least two signs: high-sensitivity troponin >3 times upper limit of normal, new LVEF <50% or wall motion problems, new ECG changes, unexplained severe ventricular arrhythmias, Cardiac MR evidence, or a risk factor such as SARS-CoV-2, Parvovirus or Immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Earlier treatment
People treated with strong immune-suppressing drugs other than corticosteroids cannot join.
Biomarker or test result
One possible sign is high-sensitivity troponin >3 times upper limit of normal.

Main reasons for not taking part

  • High chance of a heart attack or related problem (ACS) based on ECG and history
  • Pregnancy, planned pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Allergy to ultrasound contrast agents or eggs
  • Conditions with muscle inflammation, such as SLE, giant cell myocarditis or sarcoidosis
  • Not able to give consent

The registry criteria, word for word

Show all 9 criteriaShow less

Who can take part

  • Age ≥18 years of age
  • At least two of the following manifestations of myocarditis:; new or suspected new high-sensitivity troponin >3 times upper limit of normal; new or suspected new LV dysfunction with LVEF <50% or any segmental wall motion abnormality in the absence of prior ischemic event; ECG changes consistent with myocarditis defined as either diffuse ST elevation or ST-T abnormalities that are documented to be new,; unexplained severe ventricular arrhythmias,; Cardiac MR evidence for myocarditis; Predisposing condition or therapy associated with heightened risk of acute myocarditis (i.e. SARS-CoV-2, Parvovirus, Immune checkpoint inhibitors)

Who cannot take part

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

Where in United States

  • University of VirginiaCharlottesville, United StatesContact: Jonathan Lindner, MDNot yet recruiting

About the trial

What the trial wants to find out

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).

The group in the trial

  • Patients with suspected MyocarditisTreatment being tested

    Patients with any degree of suspicion for myocarditis based on symptoms, lab tests, ECG, or imaging tests.

    Treatment: Myocardial contrast echocardiography molecular imaging for inflammation

Questions to ask the study team

  1. How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
  2. Are travel costs paid?
  3. Can I keep my own doctor?
  4. What happens if I want to stop?

Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations

Print a page for my doctor

Data and sources

Registry record
Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Official title
MCE Molecular Imaging in Myocarditis
Plain-language title
Heart ultrasound with a contrast agent to detect myocarditisGenerated from the registry record. The registry title is the official one.
AI summary
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Read by machine on 14 November 2026.
Record updated
20 August 2026