Discover the winners for 2024
Ahmed Youssef
Programme: Shear wave elastography to unmask myocardial stiffness changes as a potential cause of diastolic dysfunction among children and adult cancer survivors post-chemotherapy
Host institution: UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Leonardo Portolan
Programme: Comparative analysis of novel photon-counting detector computed tomography technology and cardiac magnetic resonance for myocardial phenotyping and in guiding intervention in late presenting ST segment elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Host institution: John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
Discover the portraits of past EACVI Research Grants winners
Research grant winners 2023
Sonia Borodzicz-Jazdzyk
Programme: Fully automated quantitative myocardial perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of obstructive coronary artery disease: validation of a new framework against fractional flow reserve
Supervisor: Marco J.W. Götte
Host institution: Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
James Nadel
Programme: Detection of high-risk atherosclerotic plaque with a novel tropoelastin-specific PET contrast agent
Supervisor: René Botnar
Host institution: King´s College London, St Thomas´ Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
Research grant winners 2022
Christian Nitsche
Programme: Multi-modality Imaging for Patient-Identification and Characterization of Dual Pathology Cardiac Amyloidosis and Aortic Stenosis
Supervisor: Thomas Treibel
Host institution: UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, CMR Dept, London, UK
Jolien Geers
Programme: Elucidating the central role of fibrosis at the valvular and myocardial level in patients with aortic stenosis
Supervisor: Marc Dweck
Host institution: University of Edinburgh, BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Edinburgh, UK
Mirakhmadjon Mirmaksudov
Programme: Myocardial mechanics after His bundle pacing
Supervisor: Thor Edvardsen
Host institution: Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Norway
Pranav Bhagirath
Programme: Non-invasive assessment of patient-specific conduction pathways and associated arrhythmic vulnerability using virtual hearts; combining high-resolution 3D anatomical substrate characterization and computational modeling in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy
Supervisor: Martin Bishop
Host institution: Guy and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
Research grant winners 2021
Jessica Artico
Programme: Late heart and vasculature impacts of asymptomatic, mild and hospitalised COVID-19
Supervisor: James Moon
Host institution: Barts Heart Centre, Department of advanced cardiac imaging, St Bartholomew’s Hospital and University College of London, UK
Liliana Szabo
Programme: Association of environmental and lifestyle factors with conventional and radiomics cardiovascular magnetic resonance phenotypes
Supervisor: Zahra Raisi-Estabragh
Host institution: Queen Mary University of London, UK
Anastasia Shchendrygina
Programme: Characterisation of myocardial injury in patients recently recovered from COVID-19 using multimodality imaging techniques and blood biosignatures
Supervisor: Valentina Puntmann
Host institution: Institute for Experimental and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging (Goethe CVI), Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany
Karim Taha
Programme: Exercise to unravel myocardial stiffness changes as a potential cause of diastolic (dys)function: an ultra-high frame rate imaging study in HFpEF and athletes
Supervisor: Guido Claessen
Host institution: UZ Leuven, Belgium
Research grant winners 2020
Magdalena Dobrolinska
Title of the research: Clinical Validation of Computed Tomography derived Myocardial Perfusion: a Hybrid PET/CT Study (ContRaSt)
Year of the research: 2020
Host institution: University Medical Center Groningen, Medical Imaging Center, The Netherlands (Supervised by Prof. Riemer H.J.A. Slart)
Esra Kaya
Title of the research: Left ventricular mechanical dispersion for predicting atrioventricular block occurrence after transcatheter aortic valve preplacement
Year of the research: 2020
Host institution: Oslo University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Norway (Supervised by Dr Helge Skulstad)
Ferit Onur Mutluer
Title of the research: LV flow patterns in heart failure: A new aspect elucidated by high-frame rate echocardiography
Year of the research: 2020
Host institution: Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Supervised by Dr Annemien van den Bosch)
Ahmet Demirkiran
Title of the research: Infarct characteristics in patients with transient ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction compared to ST-segment myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment myocardial infarction
Year of the research: 2020
Host institution: Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cardiology Department, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Supervised by Dr Lourens F.H.J. Robbers)
Research grant winners 2019
Dr. Georgios Georgiopoulos
Title of the research Coronary microvascular dysfunction in heart failure with preserved and mid-range ejection fraction: a multi-modality approach involving coronary flow reserve, perfusion quantification analysis and myocardial tissue phenotyping and mechanics
Year of the research 2019
Host institution School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, St Thomas’ Hospital London, London, United Kingdom
Dr. Monika Gawor
Title of the research Advanced myocardial tissue characterisation to assess cardiovascular dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease
Year of the research 2019
Host institution Institute for experimental and translational cardiovascular Imaging, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
Research grant winners 2018
Dr. Edit Gara
Title of the research Advanced myocardial tissue characterisation to assess early and late cardiotoxicity in cancer patients receiving chemo- and/or radiotherapy
Year of the research 2018
Host institution Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance, Oxford, UK
It is a great honour and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to receive the ESC EACVI Research Grant for 2018. This grant, which is remarkable for young cardiologists, provides me unique chance to visit Oxford John Radcliffe Medical Sciences Division and to deepen my knowledge in cardiovascular imaging. I will widen my previous experiences and further develop new skills, aim to become a multi-modality young imager within the ESC EACVI. Besides clinical skills, the grant will power my academic activity, as we aim to publish our results in prime journals. I will work in Oxford JR OCMR supervised by Professor Neubauer and Professor Ferreira.
Having received this Research Grant, I am delighted and grateful for EACVI for the continuous support of both academic and clinical research and young professionals in the field.
Dr. Marta Cvijic
Title of the research High Frame Rate Imaging for Diastolic Function Assessment
Year of the research 2018
Host institution University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Department of Cardiology, Leuven, Belgium
It is a great honour and privilege for me to receive an EACVI research grant for 2018. I am sincerely grateful for the award and I am pleased to accept it. I would like to thank EACVI for giving me the unique opportunity to spend one year at Medical Imaging Research Center, University Hospital Leuven, Belgium, supervised by prof. Jens Uve Voigt.
In the last few years a great step has been made in new echocardiographic techniques. The lab in Leuven has performed pioneering work in the field of high frame rate imaging. This grant will allow me to work on a great project of using completely novel approach for the assessment of diastolic function based on ultra-high frame rate echocardiography. Diastolic function of the left ventricle is impaired in most pathologies of the heart and can even become the dominant problem. Therefore, the reliable and reproducible assessment of diastolic function is of high relevance in clinical practice. Echocardiography at higher frame could provide new information on diastolic function, which would go far beyond what classical echocardiography can provide.
It would therefore be a great opportunity for me to learn and research specifically in one of the leading cardiovascular imaging centre in Europe Undoubtedly, the EACVI grant will give me unique chance to enhance and develop new skills, which will be critical for my further career progression.
Research grant winners 2017
Dr. Claudia CAMAIONI (Italy)
Title of the research Perfusion mapping in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Year of the research 2017
Host institution Barts Heart Hospital, UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, United Kingdom
Her experience: The EACVI grant allowed me to spent last year working as a research fellow at Barts Cardiovascular Imaging Department (London, UK).
It has been an intensive year of work during which, under the guidance of Prof. James Moon and the support of the other supervisors, I had the chance to be involved in an extremely interesting research program on perfusion mapping in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I am very pleased with my research project that gave me the opportunity to take part in international conferences with oral presentations and write a manuscript.
I also boosted my clinical competencies in cardiac magnetic resonance reporting a big number of cases and learning how to scan on my own.
I must thank EACVI for this great opportunity.
Dr. Csilla CELENG (Hungary)
Title of the research Comprehensive, High definition Accelerated Non- invasive Cardiac MRI for Early diagnosis of patients with symptomatic heart disease (CHANCE)
Year of the research 2017
Host institution University Medical Center Utrecht, Center for Imaging Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Her experience: It was a privilege to conduct research at the Universtity Medical Center, Utrecht. The professional experience of the research team and the specific equipments (UMC has a total of 14 MRI systems available, some fully devoted to research) provided a unique and fruitful research enviroment. The utilization of specific MR mapping techniques yielded a profound insight into the myocardial structure and mechanics, which contributed to the expansion of my theorethical knowledge as well as improving my diagnostic imaging skills.
During my research I was the first and second author of two published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, first author on a manuscript submitted for publication and first author of a book chapter. I was also actively involved in the “CHANCE user meetings”, where I presented the current status of my research project. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to interact with other interdisciplinary dimensions including MR physicists, radiologists, cardiologists and industrial partners which attributed to the creation of new network opportunities.
The EACVI Research Grant is therefore not just an excellent opportunity to expand my expertise in the field of cardiac MRI but undoubtedly paves the way to become an independent researcher.
Dr. Tobias Andreas FUCHS (Switzerland)
Title of the research Advanced myocardial structural and functional assessment by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients with severe mitral regurgitation undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair with the Evalve MitraClipTM
Year of the research 2017
Host institution CMR Unit, Bristol Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, United Kingdom
His experience: I am deeply honoured to receive this EACVI Research Grant 2017. It was a great pleasure to be awarded this grant and I would like to thank the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. This grant allowed me to undergo my research fellowship at the CMR Unit of the Bristol Heart Institute of the University of Bristol (Bristol, UK) under the supervision of Dr Bucciarelli-Ducci.
This fellowship at an internationally recognized and sophisticated high volume imaging centre with high research activity and quality and a close network of both physicians and basic technologists offered me the ability to accomplish profound knowledge of cardiac imaging in the field of CMR.
Thanks to the grandiose support we were able to assess the feasibility of novel CMR three-dimensional time-resolved phase contrast images (4D flow) and found parameters to indicate success of the MitraClip procedure by multi parametric CMR pre intervention and I had the opportunity to give presentations at international conferences.
Research grant winners 2016
Dr. Fabián ISLAS (Mexico)
Title of the research T-1 mapping characterization of diffuse myocardial fibrosis associated with obesity in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Mechanisms involved and relationship to clinical outcome.
Year of the research 2016
Host institution Laboratorio de Imagen Cardiovascular, Hospital Clinico San Carlos
Dr. Unlu SERKAN (Turkey)
Title of the research Impact of Image Geometry and Image Quality on the Feasibility, Accuracy and Reproducibility of Longitudinal Strain Measurements from different Myocardial Layers and from the Full Wall
Year of the research 2016
Host institution Medical Imaging Research Center, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
Dr. Diana CHERATA (Romania)
Title of the research Comparison of Two- and Three-dimensional Myocardial Strain Imaging by Echocardiography for the Early Detection of Cardiotoxicity in Patients During and After Cancer Chemotherapy
Year of the research 2016
Host institution University of Padua, Italy
Research grant winners 2015
Dr. Gabriella CAPTUR (Malta)
Title of the research An International Quality Control System For Myocardial T1 Mapping
Year of the research 2015
Host institution The Institute of Cardiovascular, the Institute of Cardiovascular, London, UK
Dr. Oana MIREA (Romania)
Title of the research Inter-vendor Comparison of Regional Strain Measurements
Year of the research 2015
Host institution Medical Imaging Research Center, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
Dr. Kalliopi KERAMIDA (Greece)
Title of the research The prognostic value of global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle in the risk assessment of patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction
Year of the research 2015
Host institution Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, UK
Research grant winners 2014
Dr. Efstathios D. PAGOURELIAS (Greece)
Title of the research Real time three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for detection of fibrotic regions in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Comparison with two-dimensional echo and delayed-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance
Year of the research 2014
Host institution Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Medical Imaging Research Center, UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
Dr. Stephen Henry GILBERT (UK)
Title of the research Is Myolaminar Architecture Generation Explained by Shear? (IMAGES)
Year of the research 2014
Host institution Department Mathematical Cell Physiology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
His experience I am delighted and honored to have been chosen to receive an EACVI Research grant for 2014. I thank the selection committee for selecting my project and particularly for their farsightedness in their choice of this 'basic science' project, which explored the detailed underlying mechanisms of normal cardiac development and mechanical function. The grant allowed me to carry out research in cardiac structure-functions relationships at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine. For more info, click here.
Dr. Daniela Corina MIRICA (Romania)
Title of the research Prognostic significance of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in asymptomatic moderate to severe aortic stenosis: a T1 mapping and quantitative exercise cardiac mechanics study
Year of the research 2014
Host institution Non invasive Cardiovascular Imaging department of the Cardiovascular Center Aalst, Belgium
Dr. Vasileios KAMPERIDIS (Greece)
Title of the research Clinical implications of three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography on determining reparability and outcome of aortic valve-root complex repair in aortic insufficiency.
Year of the research 2014
Host institution Cardiology Department, Leiden University Medical Centre, LUMC, Leiden, Netherlands
Research grant winners 2013
Dr Philippe DEBONNAIRE (Turnhout, Belgium)
Title of the research Mitral leaflet remodeling in functional mitral regurgitation: 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography insights beyond left ventricular remodeling
Year of the research 2013
Host institution Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
His experience After having the honor of being awarded the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) Research Grant, I have lived a most unique professional and social experience. I traveled to Leiden, the Netherlands, were I started a PhD fellowship at the well-known non invasive cardiac imaging department, led by Prof. Jeroen Bax, my promoter, motivated and guided by the most inspiring co-workers such as Dr. Victoria Delgado and Dr. Nina Ajmone Marsan, as well as a multitude of international PhD fellows. The main focus of my research was on advanced imaging techniques and applications in patients with valvular heart disease, particularly 3D echocardiography and deformation analysis. In addition I studied applications of non invasive cardiac imaging techniques in hypertrophic cardiomyoptahy patients. Within a very well organized professional structure, we learned during weakly journal clubs how to start a scientific idea and systematically plan and develop a research project, including collection of scientific data and statistical analysis. These meetings also served as a ground to teach how to present and discuss scientific results and prepare for international meetings. Finally translating these results into a scientific manuscript or paper was systematically guided. I had the opportunity to present most of these results at international meetings, including in Brussels (BeHRA), Amsterdam (ESC), Munich (ESC), London (PCR London Valves), Frankfurt (CSI), Los Angeles (AHA), Istanbul (EuroECHO) and Athens (EuroECHO) (co-authoring 1 being finalist and 1 being laureate of the Young Investigator Award). I co-authored over 10 papers (5 of which being first author) and wrote 1 book chapter on imaging in heart failure and 1 website contribution (mitral valve anatomy and function, wikiecho.org). Apart from the theoretical scientific activities, I was fully trained in advanced 2D/3D-echocardiography, including as a lead echocardiographist during several dozens of percutaneous MitraClip and TAVI procedures. Basics and clinical applications of 2D/3D dyssynchrony assessment, 3D LV function analysis, 3D valve modeling, speckle tracking and Tissue Doppler deformation analysis and stress-echocardiography were teached. In addition we analyzed all preprocedural cardiac CT scans for patients undergoing TAVI. Currently I am a consultant at the Cardiology Department of the AZ Sint Jan Hospital in Bruges, Belgium, where I focus on clinical non invasive cardiac imaging and recently co-founded a successful transcatheter mitral valve repair program. Apart from the clinical work, I intend to finish my doctoral thesis by 2015 at the Leiden University Medical Center and continue on (inter)national research projects, bearing in mind my co-promotors’ words: “Inspiration must find you working”.
Finally I take the opportunity to thank the EACVI as well as Prof. Bax, Dr. Delgado and Dr. Ajmone Marsan for the fantastic experience. It has been a theoretical and practical learning school that will undoubtly change my professional, social and technical conduct at the service of many patients. I recommend all young cardiologists or trainees the same educational experience, as our generation will be next to fuel and lead the challenging field of cardiovascular imaging research and development.
Dr Damien VOILLIOT (France)
Title of the research Assessment of right ventricular function during exercise echocardiography in patients with non ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy: correlation with functional capacity and classical prognostic factors of heart failure
Year of the research 2013
Host institution Dept of Cardiology, University of Liege, CHU Sart-Tilman, Belgium
Dr Marijana TADIC (Serbia)
Title of the research Prognostic determinants of tricuspid valve morphology and right ventricular remodelling assessed by 2D and 3D echocardiography in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with functional tricuspid regurgitation
Year of the research 2013
Host institution University of Padua, Italy
Dr Gonenc KOCABAY (Turkey)
Title of the research Three-dimensional ascending aorta quantitative morphology, genetic patterns and histology of the aortic wall in patients affectd by bicuspid aortic valve (BASV) eligible for valve or ascending aorta surgery
Year of the research 2013
Host institution Cardiovascular Imaging Department, University of Padua, Italy
Research grant winners 2012
Dr Ivan STANKOVIC (Serbia)
Title of the research Dobutamine stress echocardiography to investigate apical rocking as surrogate of dynamic left ventricular dyssynchrony in ischemia and patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Year of the research 2012
Host institution UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
Current position Internal medicine resident, Dept. of Cardiology, Clinical Hospital Centre Zemun, Belgrade, Serbia
His experience After wining the EAE Research Grant 2012, I had a privilege to join the Medical Imaging Research Center (MIRC) in the University Hospital Gasthuisberg (Leuven, Belgium). This unique research facility (also known as “The Louvre” due its large glass roof) is a great host institution for anyone interested in advanced echocardiographic techniques, particularly myocardial deformation imaging. Using multimodality imaging and collaborating with colleagues from several European centers, I investigated apical rocking: a novel, simple and promising dyssynchrony parameter developed by the research group led by Professor Jens-Uwe Voigt, my fellowship mentor. My main research interest was a dynamic relationship of cardiac dyssynchrony and contractile reserve in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy, but I also took advantage of great opportunities of the UZ Leuven to learn more about 3D echocardiography, flow tracking and contrast echocardiography. During the fellowship year, I presented the results of our research at Leuven Symposium on Myocardial Velocity and Deformation Imaging 2012, ESC Congress 2012, Echokardiographie Kongress Köln 2012 and Euroecho and other imaging modalities 2012. In parallel with my research activities, I followed postgraduate studies in Advanced Medical Imaging and graduated from Catholic University Leuven in 2012. Finally, taking part in various clinical trials in a busy echo lab in UZ Leuven, I improved my understanding of the whole process of conducting a high standard research in the field of cardiac imaging.
Apart from these obvious professional benefits, this life-changing and sometimes challenging year in the “Louvre” gave me the opportunity to meet some exceptional people and to live in a beautiful historic city which immediately spoiled me with its charm, beer, waffles and chocolate.
Assistant Professor Sorina MIHAILA (Romania)
Title of the research Left and right atrial size and function assessment by novel semi-automated software tailored for atrium analysis by three-dimensional echocardiography.
Year of the research 2012
Host institution Echocardiography Laboratory of the Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences from Padova, Italy
Current position Assistant Professor at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania
Her experience I have conducted my research at the University of Padua (Italy), under the supervision of Dr. Luigi P. Badano. During the EACVI Research Grant, I have been deeply involved in the clinical and the research workflow of the Echocardiography Laboratory of the Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences from Padova, Italy. The conducted research was in the field of three-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, with a focus on the analysis of the mitral annulus geometry and dynamics in healthy volunteers, and in pathological conditions. I have been involved in the clinical routine of the laboratory, performing and interpreting exams and training residents in performing conventional and advanced echocardiography. I have also been involved in the courses held in Padova about three-dimensional echocardiography, lecturing about the function of the normal and pathological mitral annulus. My extensive research activity finalized with a PhD thesis in collaboration between the University of Padova, Italy and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania. I have co-authored 7 published papers in peer-reviewed journals and 3 others submitted for publication, one chapter-book, and I have had multiple presented abstracts and conferences to international and Italian congresses.
At present, I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania and I am continuing my research activity, focusing on the study of three-dimensional echocardiography and its potential for clinical applications.
I have also been appointed an EACVI Club 35 member committee, aiming to expand the influence of the EACVI Young Community among the Romanian Cardiologists.
Winning the EACVI Research Grant has represented for me a wonderful life and work experience. I had the opportunity to meet and learn from outstanding people, to establish professional relationships with experts in the field of three-dimensional echocardiography from different countries, and to work with a great supportive team. My collaboration with the team from Padova is an ongoing process, conducting multi-center research protocols in the field of three-dimensional echocardiography.
I strongly recommend to young cardiologists to apply to ESC and EACVI Training and Research Grants, as they have completely changed my work, my professional relationships and the perspectives for my professional career.
Research grant winners 2011
Dr Denisa MURARU (Romania)
Title of the research Left and right atrial size and function assessment by novel semi-automated software tailored for atrium analysis by three-dimensional echocardiography.
Year of the research 2011
Host institution University of Padua, Italy, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences
Current position Senior Cardiologist, PhD fellow at the University of Padua, Italy
Her experience I have conducted my research at the University of Padua (Italy), with the mentoring support of Dr Luigi P. Badano. During the tenure of the EAE Research Grant programme, I have been involved in designing and conducting several research lines, based mainly on three-dimensional and speckle-tracking echocardiography. I had the great opportunity to improve my research experience, my knowledge and skills in advanced echocardiographic modalities (transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography; deformation imaging; stress echo etc.). I have also been involved in the clinical routine of the echo lab, performing and interpreting exams with a large case mix and training residents in performing conventional and advanced echocardiography. At present, I am a PhD fellow at University of Padua and continuing my research activity, focusing on the study of three-dimensional speckle-tracking technology and its potential for clinical applications.
The results of my research activity during the EAE Grant tenure have been presented at international congresses (ESC Congress and EUROECHO & other imaging modalities Congress 2011) and selected for Young Investigator's Award competition at national congresses (SIEC 2011, National Congress of the Romanian Society of Cardiology 2011). I have also enjoyed the rewarding and sometimes challenging experience related to scientific writing and publishing process. Since the beginning of the programme, I have co-authored 7 papers published in peer-reviewed journals and other 2 submitted for publication, 2 books in Italian on three-dimensional and speckle-tracking echocardiography and 9 book chapters (2 in press).
Since 2011, I have also participated in designing and organising several educational activities dedicated for young echocardiographers (as a member of EAE Club 35 committee), including a survey aiming to provide a broader perspective on the benefits gained by the past EAE grant winners from their abroad experience, which has contributed to the decision to increase the numbers of grants offered by EAE each year. Last but not least, winning the EAE Research Grant has represented for me a fantastic work and life experience, having the privilege to meet and learn from outstanding people, to establish positive professional relationships with exceptional persons from different countries and to work with an enthusiastic and supportive team.
Research grant winners 2010
Dr Alexandra GONCALVES (Portugal)
Title of the research The part of echocardiography in transcatheter aortic valves implantation (TAVI)
Year of the research 2010
Host institution Cardiovascular Institute in the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid
Current position Senior cardiologist at the Hospital S. João, EPE/ University of Porto Medical School in Portugal. Dedicated to advanced echocardiography
Her experience During the tenure of the research programme I had opportunity of improving my skills in advanced echocardiography, especially on the performance and interpretation of 3D echo. I have been studying TAVI patients’, from selection to procedure specifications until long term follow-up. Under the EAE 2010 grant I have dedicated time to scientific writing and besides my main project I had opportunity of participating in various clinical studies, which significantly increased my knowledge in heart imaging modalities, investigation methodologies and principles of scientific writing.
In the Cardiovascular Institute I had an overwhelming experience. I had opportunity to work with exceptional colleagues, who shared the highest standards of understanding in Cardiology and heart imaging modalities, in an environment of effective team work, enthusiasm and friendship. This was definitive for the process of learning and to take the most advantage of a dedicated period of research.
I had also opportunity to work with colleagues from all around the world, which enriched me personally, enlarged my working connections and wide my horizons to the International level.
Currently I have a position as senior cardiologist in Hospital S. João, EPE/ University of Porto Medical School, where I am dedicated to advanced echocardiography. I represent the EAE Club 35 as Portuguese ambassador and I regularly take part in International conferences as a speaker. Up to now, since the beginning of the programme I am author of 12 published articles in peer reviewed journals, 5 of them as first author.
After an intensive year in Madrid I continue to do research in echocardiography and other imaging modalities, with a clear enhanced understanding of investigation methodologies, which allows me to supervise clinical investigation and continue to work at the International level. I am most grateful to Professor Zamorano and to the Cardiovascular Institute team for the invaluable contribution for a decisive step head in my career.
Dr Mihaela Silvia AMZULESCU (Romania)
Title of the research
- Right ventricular adaptation to pressure overload (pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary stenosis and corrected transposition of great arteries).
- 3D echocardiography in assessing the geometry and function of the left ventricle.
- 3D speckle tracking technique in quantifying regional deformation in myocardial infarct
Year of the research 2010
Host institution UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
Current position Cardiologist in training at the Emergency Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases “C.C.Iliescu”, Bucharest, Romania
Her experience I am glad that, with the EAE research grant program 2010, I had the opportunity to work for one year in the Cardiovascular Imaging Department of UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven. It was a great pleasure, and I am very grateful, to have worked with a very enthusiastic team from the (EAE accredited) Echocardiography Department and to benefit of guidance from a coordinator with substantial experience in research activity with echocardiographic modalities, Professor Jens-Uwe Voigt. I am grateful to my Romanian mentor, Dr. Ruxandra Jurcut, the first to encourage me to join a research team.
My research focused on the use of 3D echocardiography in assessing the geometry and function of the left ventricle and on the new 3D speckle tracking techniques in quantifying regional deformation in myocardial infarct. A special interest was the right ventricle assessment in different states of increased afterload using the 2D speckle tracking techniques.
The experience through-out one year of research activity in echocardiography has definitely enlarged my approach and understanding of both the basic and advanced echocardiographic techniques. Moreover, I believe that the research activity improved my observational skills and capability to pay attention to details, as well as skepticism and self-criticism.
In the Medical Imaging Research Centre - Leuven, I had the chance to meet other young scientist from the Cardiology Research group and interact with some of their projects, which was challenging, but fruitful.
Undoubtedly, the EAE research activity represents a progress in my training as cardiologist.
Research grant winners 2009
Dr Gergely AGOSTON (Hungary)
Title of the research The Sclaire Study: Systemic sCLerosis Assessment with Integrated Rest and stress Echocardiography.
Year of the research 2009
Host institution Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Pisa, Italy
Current position Clinical Doctor and PhD fellow at the 2’nd Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology Center, University of Szeged, Hungary
His experience I was awarded with the research grant of the European Association of Echocardiography for the year 2009. I conducted my research at the Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa, Italy, under the guidance of Dr. Rosa Sicari. The focus of our research was the assessment of patients affected by systemic sclerosis by means of different echocardiographic techniques (resting echo, exercise echocardiography, 3 dimensional echocardiography, strain and strain rate imaging, as well as chest and vascular ultrasound). During my fellowship I collected a huge database of scleroderma patients, visiting also other prestigious institutions, such as the Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, University Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine and the Cardiology Department, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan. Since finishing my tenure in Pisa, I have participated at several important cardiological congresses where I had the opportunity to present my research (1 poster (n1) ESC Congress 2009; 2 poster (n2-3), Euroecho 2009, 2 poster (n4-5) ESC 2010, 2 poster (n 6-7) Euroecho 2010, Scleroderma World Congress 2010 1 poster (n8) and several presentations in Hungary (n9-13)). The list of abstracts is listed on separate paper. Currently. I’m busy with the preparation and writing of scientific papers which are intended to be submitted very soon.
I was very happy to have an opportunity to broaden my scientific views thanks to the European Association of Echocardiography.
Dr Arco TESKE (The Netherlands)
Title of the research Effect of preload changes on left ventricular global and regional functional parameters - towards a reliable estimation of left ventricular contractility
Year of the research 2009
Host institution Department of Cardiology & Medical Imaging Research Center, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Catholic University Leuven, Belgium
Current position Cardiology resident, Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
His experience With the EAE Research Grant I had the opportunity to conduct scientific research in an internationally renowned research facility with Prof J. D`Hooge and prof J.U. Voigt, after obtaining my PhD in the Netherlands (Echocardiographic quantification of regional richt ventricular systolic function). During a one year period we were able to perform the abovementioned study which would not have been possible without proper funding. Our preliminary findings suggest that functional ventricular adaptations (by echocardiography) induced by postural changes give insight into ventricular contractility. This implies that ventricular functional adaptations give a better and more reliable insight into the actual contractile function, rather than any measure obtained at a conventional echocardiographic examination (i.e. at rest in recumbent position). These results have already been presented the annual EuroEcho meeting in 2010 at Copenhagen. These findings gave way to further research projects which will be conducted in the near future.
Our mission: To reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.