RecruitingACTRN12624001079538

MRI informed computational model for non-invasive detection of brain pressure

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Brain Motion as an Indicator of Raised Intracranial Pressure.


Sponsor

Matai Medical Research Institute

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Aug 23, 2024

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Summary

The recent advent of amplified MRI has resulted in improvements in our ability to rapidly observe and inspect cardiac driven brain motions. aMRI amplifies the microscopic motion that occurs in the brain during a heartbeat. To test this theory, in this preliminary study, we apply aMRI pre- and post-lumbar puncture in IIH to explore whether the brain motion patterns are altered. If such cardiac-linked brain motion can be detected, this has the potential to allow for the non-invasive measurement of ICP. The central hypothesis posits that brain motion will be predictably and proportionally altered by changes in the level of ICP. The underlying rationale is that this motion is strongly determined by brain compliance and its perfusion, which is in turn strongly affected by the overall pressure within the cranium surrounding it (i.e. ICP).


Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 16 YearssMax Age: 55 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study explores a new way to measure the pressure inside the brain without needles or surgery. Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) is a serious medical concern — it can occur in conditions like Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), where fluid builds up around the brain. Currently, measuring this pressure requires an invasive procedure. Researchers want to see if a special type of MRI scan can detect brain pressure changes non-invasively. The technique, called amplified MRI (aMRI), detects tiny movements in the brain caused by each heartbeat. The idea is that these movements change in predictable ways when brain pressure is high or low. Participants with IIH will have aMRI scans before and after a lumbar puncture (which temporarily lowers brain pressure), so researchers can see if the MRI picks up those changes. You may be eligible if you are aged 16 to 55, have a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of IIH, and are willing to participate. People with MRI contraindications (such as certain metal implants) or spinal conditions are not eligible. This research could lead to a safer, simpler way to monitor brain pressure in the future.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Lumbar Puncture: Performed by experienced anesthetist, recording opening and closing pressure with spinal manometry to achieve a closing pressure of 25cmH2O or lower. this is expected to take 30-40 m

Lumbar Puncture: Performed by experienced anesthetist, recording opening and closing pressure with spinal manometry to achieve a closing pressure of 25cmH2O or lower. this is expected to take 30-40 minutes. The lumbar puncture will take place within half an hour of the first MRI scan MRI: includes both standard and study specific sequences (amplified). This will be conducted twice, both before and 4 hours after the lumbar puncture. The MRI will be administered by an MRI technician and is expected to take 45 to 60 minutes for each scan. The scan will be reviewed by a radiologist. The sequences will include both standard and study specific sequences. The study sequences are: 1. 2D Phase Contrast MRI for CSF flow in the region of the cerebral aqueduct and C2 of the spine to ascertain flow rates and regurgitation fraction 2. 4D Blood Flow analyzed through tested Quantitative Velocity Tool (QVT ) software (4D flow analysis tool developed by associates of University of Auckland) 3. aMRI data (Balanced Steady-State Free Precession Cine MR Imaging - cine bSSFPC MRI of the brain, amplified to 40x) to qualitatively map and quantitatively determine displacement of the brain over a cardiac cycle, with priority on areas that experience CSF flow and major brain motion, e.g. the ventricles, brainstem and upper spine. OCT Scanning: imaging of the intraocular portion of the optic nerve head will be acquired before and after lumbar puncture. This investigation is expected to take 10-15 minutes and will be administered by either an imaging technician or an ophthalmologist. It will be reviewed by an ophthalmologist. The OCT scan will occur twice, each time prior to the MRI scan.


Locations(1)

New Zealand

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