RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Manganese-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

This research aims to better understand Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as 'broken heart syndrome,' which often follows severe stress. While it was once thought to improve quickly, we now know it can have lasting effects. Researchers are using a special type of heart scan, called a manganese-enhanced MRI, to see how the heart muscle changes in this condition. They also want to find out how common heart medications might affect these changes. The study will separate participants into groups based on how recently they were diagnosed, with different medications being tested, including bisoprolol, valsartan, sacubitril/valsartan, or dapagliflozin, or no medication for some. This could help find better ways to treat this condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

100

Start

08 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

09 Aug 2028

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

What is this study about?

Imagine your heart acts strangely after something really stressful happens, like a serious accident or upsetting news. This is sometimes called 'broken heart syndrome' or by its medical name, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It feels a lot like a heart attack, but it's different. Doctors used to think it always got better on its own very quickly, but we now understand that it can have longer-lasting effects on the heart.

This study wants to look much more closely at what happens inside the heart during Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Researchers are using a special kind of scan called an MRI, which uses a dye called manganese. This manganese helps them see subtle changes in the heart that regular scans might miss. They also want to see if common heart medicines, like those used for other heart conditions, can help improve these changes.

Learning more about how these medicines affect the heart in people with 'broken heart syndrome' could be really important. It might help doctors understand which treatments work best and when to give them, to make sure people recover fully and stay healthier in the long run. There isn't a specific treatment for this condition right now, so this research is vital for finding new ways to help patients.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand 'broken heart syndrome' better.
Uses special MRI scans with manganese to see heart changes.
Tests existing heart medications to see if they help.
Participation involves regular visits and medical tests.
Helps find better treatments for future patients.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. You would need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you can't have an MRI scan, or if you have severe kidney problems, certain types of diabetes, very low blood pressure, a very slow heart rate, or severe asthma that would make some study medications unsafe. It's also not suitable if you are pregnant or if you are already taking a specific heart medication called Digoxin, as it can affect the manganese dye used in the scan.

The researchers will check these things with some simple tests and questions before you start. They want to make sure the study is safe and right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
Can you have an MRI scan safely (e.g., no metal implants)?
Do you have severe kidney problems (e.g., on dialysis)? (If yes, you may not be eligible)
Are you pregnant?
Are you able to agree to take part in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be assigned to one of two groups depending on how long ago you were diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. If your diagnosis was recent (less than 3 months ago), you might receive one of two common heart medications (Bisoprolol or Valsartan) or no medication. If your diagnosis was more than 6 months ago, you'll try two different medications (Sacubitril/Valsartan and Dapagliflozin) one after the other, with a short break in between.

You'll need to attend several study visits over several weeks or months. During these visits, you'll have various tests, including a special heart MRI scan with manganese dye, an echocardiogram (a different type of heart scan), an ECG (heart tracing), a walking test, and blood tests. You'll also have an assessment with the study doctor and be asked to complete questionnaires about how you are feeling. The total duration of your participation will depend on which group you are in, but generally involves visits spread out over several months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which might lead to better treatments for future patients. You will also receive very close medical supervision and regular health checks related to your heart condition during the study. However, some medications used in the study can have side effects, and the manganese dye in the MRI can cause reactions in very rare cases. You'll be given full details of these possible side effects before you decide to join. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Edinburgh
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'broken heart syndrome'?

It's a temporary heart condition, often triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, that makes your heart muscle suddenly weaken. It can feel like a heart attack.

Why is this study using manganese in the MRI scans?

Manganese acts as a special dye that helps researchers see very small changes in your heart muscle that might not show up on regular MRI scans, giving a clearer picture of your condition.

Will I definitely receive medication in this study?

Depending on when you were diagnosed, you might receive one of the study medications, or you might be in a group that receives no extra medication, so researchers can compare outcomes.

How long will I be in the study?

The length of your participation will vary depending on your group, but it will involve attending study visits over several weeks or months.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create live pictures of your heart, showing how it's pumping.

How to find out more

Jennifer Ramsay

jramsay5@ed.ac.uk 01316501000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.