Developing a Discrimination Model to Diagnose ALS Using Advanced MRI Techniques

Study Purpose:

To combine several brain imaging techniques to develop a new diagnostic test to help with earlier diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Study Status:

Not recruiting

Disease:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Study Type:

Interventional

Type of Intervention:

Diagnostic Test

Intervention Name:

MRI(magnetic resonance imaging)

Placebo:

Phase:

N/A

Study Chair(s)/Principal Investigator(s):

Bradley Foerster, M.D., University of Michigan Hospital

Clinicaltrials.gov ID:

NCT01995903

Neals Affiliated?

No

Coordinating Center Contact Information

University of Michigan Hospital

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109 United States

Full Study Summary:

Early diagnosis and lack of understanding of the pathophysiology of ALS remain a significant obstacle to making a timely intervention to help patients suffering from this fatal disease. We envision a future in which neuroimaging techniques will be a critical tool in the diagnostic work-up of ALS. Advanced neuroimaging techniques offer great potential in identifying central nervous system metabolite and cellular alterations in ALS. We propose an innovative approach to combine complementary advanced MRI techniques to interrogate brain chemistry (MRS), brain microstructure (DTI) and brain function (fcMRI) and develop a clinically relevant discriminatory disease model.

Study Sponsor:

University of Michigan

Estimated Enrollment:

50

Estimated Study Start Date:

04 / 01 / 2012

Estimated Study Completion Date:

10 / 01 / 2015

Posting Last Modified Date:

06 / 04 / 2018

Date Study Added to neals.org:

11 / 27 / 2013

Minimum Age:

18 Years

Maximum Age:

80 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age or older

2. subjects with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)

3. healthy subjects -

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active substance abuse

2. Has co-morbid psychiatric disease

3. Has opportunistic CNS (central nervous system) infection

4. Has a history of head injury

5. Has a contraindication for MRI (e.g. cardiac pacemaker, ferromagnetic or metallic implants)

6. Pregnant

University of Michigan Hospital

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
United States