Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Detect Brain Damage in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Completed
Conditions studied: Multiple Sclerosis
In brief
This study will evaluate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using different magnet strengths (1.5, 3 and 7 Tesla) to detect damage in different parts of the brain in patients with multiple sclerosis. The higher the Tesla, the greater the ability to see brain changes. Healthy subjects will also be studied to compare findings in patients with those of normal volunteers. Healthy normal volunteers and patients with multiple sclerosis 18-65 years of age may be eligible for this study. Patients should have minimal clinical disability. Candidates are screened with a medical history, physical examination, and blood and urine tests. Participants undergo three MRI examinations. The first is on a 1.5 Tesla machine. The second and third - at 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla - are done within 30 days of the first. Each procedure takes about 2 hours. Before and after the 7 Tesla examination, subjects have an electrocardiogram (EKG), their blood pressure and temperature are measured and a blood sample is drawn. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of body tissues and organs. This test has several advantages over x-ray methods, such as the ability to see more clearly inside the brain and to see chemical changes that might occur in specific neurological diseases. Also, since x-rays are not used, there is no radiation risk. Radio waves are generated and changes in magnetic fields are measured and analyzed by computer. For the procedure, the subject lies on a table that is moved into a metal cylinder (the MRI scanner) that has a strong magnetic field. Earplugs are worn to muffle loud thumping noises caused by the electrical switching of the radio frequency circuits. During the MRI, subjects receive an injection of a contrast agent called Gadolinium, which brightens the images. ...
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT00321568
- Run by
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- People needed
- 60
- Starts
- 2006-05-01
- Expected to finish
- 2011-04-19
- Last updated by the study team
- 2017-07-02
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may not qualify if…
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, since contrast is harmful in people who are breastfeeding.
- Unable to provide informed consent.
- Permanent tattooed makeup (eyeliner, lip, etc) or general tattoos.
- Any non-organic implant or any other device such as: cardiac pacemaker, insulin infusion pump, implanted drug infusion device, cochlear, otologic, or ear implant, transdermal medication patch (Nitro), any metallic implants or objects, body piercing(s), bone/joint pin, screw, nail, plate, wire sutures or surgical staples, shunt.
- Cerebral aneurysms clips, shrapnel or other metal imbedded in the body (such as from war wounds or accidents).
- Previous work in metal fields or with machines that may have left any metallic fragments in or near the eyes.
- Severe auto accidents in the past with non-certainty that a metal object is still present in the subject's body.
- Any psychological contraindications for MRI (e.g., suffering from claustrophobia).
- HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS INCLUSION CRITERIA:
- Age between 18 and 65
- HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
- Same as for patients.
Where it is running
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike — Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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