3D modeling and nerve tracking for pediatric head and neck conditions

3D Modeling of the Cervico-facial Region and Cranial Nerve Tractography: IMAG 2 ORL Project

Not applicable Interventional Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT05763615

This study is testing a new way to use 3D imaging to help doctors better plan surgeries for young children with head and neck tumors or birth defects.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 5 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations1 site (Paris)
Trial IDNCT05763615 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on using advanced 3D modeling and tractography MRI techniques to improve preoperative planning for children with head and neck tumors and congenital abnormalities. Children aged 1 to 5 who are undergoing a 3T MRI at the Necker Enfants-Malades hospital will participate in this study, which includes a validated tractography MRI sequence lasting 10 minutes. The aim is to accurately map cranial nerve pathways to enhance surgical management and outcomes for these patients. The study leverages mathematical algorithms to visualize nerve fiber paths based on the diffusion of water molecules in tissues.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 1 to 5 undergoing a 3T MRI for assessment of tumors or cervico-facial malformations.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI or those not meeting the age and condition criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve surgical outcomes for children with complex head and neck conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of tractography MRI is established in other specialties, this specific application in pediatric ENT is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Benefiting from social security scheme.
* Informed consent signed by holders of parental authority and the investigator.
* Patient group: children aged 1 to 5 benefiting from a 3T MRI at the Necker Enfants-Malades hospital as part of the initial assessment of a tumor or a cervico-facial malformation.
* Control group: children aged 1 to 5 benefiting from a 3T MRI at the Necker Enfants-Malades hospital as part of the initial assessment of an ENT pathology other than that of the patient group (examples: velar insufficiency, congenital deafness).

Exclusion Criteria:

Child with a contraindication to MRI: allergy to contrast product, pacemaker, Starr Edwards valves, stent placed for less than 6 weeks, vascular clips, contraindication to sedation.

Where this trial is running

Paris

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Head and Neck NeoplasmsCongenital Abnormalities3D modeling of the cervico-facial regionTractography MRIDiffusion tensor magnetic resonance imagingCranial nervePediatrics
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.