WP1

Imaging

Developing non-invasive techniques to identify remodeling and/or fibrosis is essential for early diagnosis and monitoring of innovative treatments.

Description and Mission

By combining advanced imaging techniques (MRI, FDG or FAPI PET, MRI elastography, and their combination via PET/MRI) with blood biomarker assays from biobanks, we will seek to identify predictive markers of fibrosis and remodeling from existing patient cohorts at our site. We have a unique opportunity to develop an integrated approach combining inflammation and fibrosis (via molecular imaging: FDG-PET and FAPI-PET), tissue remodeling (MRI), and stiffness (high-resolution MRI elastography).

These integrated markers will be developed on the FRIM platform using well-characterized preclinical models (myocardial ischemia and pulmonary fibrosis, performed routinely) as well as patient samples from our biopsy bank, then clinically validated in the following cohorts:

Identification

Identification of early markers of left ventricular remodeling after acute coronary syndrome with systolic dysfunction.

Cardiac sarcoidosis as a model of low-grade chronic inflammation

Endpoints will include progression of left ventricular dysfunction and occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

While the relationship between treatment efficacy and decreased FDG uptake on PET/CT is well established, we must identify predictors of therapeutic efficacy. A combined approach targeting fibroblast activation via FAPI-PET will be explored.

Furthermore, through artificial intelligence and deep learning applied to clinical data and ultrasound images, we are currently developing predictive markers and diagnostic tools for post-infarction fibrosis and cardiac amyloidosis. This latter approach aims to enable early detection of cardiac amyloidosis in non-expert centers, and to propose appropriate therapeutic management before the onset of irreversible cardiac damage.