Comparing MRI and Ultrasound for Evaluating Muscle Function in Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy
Official title: Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessing Muscle Contractile Performance in FSHD - An Exploratory Study
Run by Radboud University Medical Center · NCT06227182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether ultrasound and MRI can help us understand how muscle function is affected in people with Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Radboud University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nijmegen, Gelderland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 10, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 13, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06227182 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 70 diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy who can provide informed consent and understand the study's requirements.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are wheelchair-dependent, pregnant, or have contraindications for MRI will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the use of muscle ultrasound and MRI to assess contractile performance in patients with Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD). It aims to explore how disrupted muscle architecture affects muscle efficiency and to establish ultrasound-defined contractile performance as a potential biomarker for monitoring disease progression. Participants will undergo muscle ultrasound, surface electromyography, dynamometry, and MRI scans to gather comprehensive data on muscle function. The findings could enhance understanding of FSHD and improve monitoring methods for this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new biomarker for tracking disease progression in patients with FSHD, leading to better management and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While muscle imaging has been used in other neuromuscular disorders, this specific approach to assess contractile performance in FSHD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 70 years. * Informed consent is given by the participant. * Ability to read and understand written and spoken instruction in Dutch. * Willingness and ability to understand nature and content of the study Exclusion Criteria: * BMI ≥ 35 * Other diseases that could diffusely affect muscle integrity or disturb the imaging appearance beyond that what can be extrapolated. * Wheelchair dependence * Pregnancy * Stage II: Any contra-indications for MRI, including: * Claustrophobia * Pacemakers and defibrillators * Nerve stimulators * Intracranial clips * Intraorbital or intraocular metallic fragments * Cochlear implants and ferromagnetic implants (e.g. implant for scoliosis) * Inability to lie supine for 60 minutes * Necessity of (continuous) daytime ventilation * Scoliosis surgery
Where it's running
-
Radboud university medical center
Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nens Van Alfen, MD. PhD. — Radboud University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Odette Van Iersel, MSc
- Email: Odette.vaniersel@radboudumc.nl
- Phone: 0243611111
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
BetterLife FSHD: a patient-driven health platform
This project tries to connect people with FSHD to personalized resources and collect their health experiences so they can be matched to relevant studies and help improve care.
-
Validating motor outcomes in children with FSHD
This study is trying to see how children with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) move and function to help improve future treatments for them.
-
Clenbuterol treatment targeting DUX4 in FSHD
Try clenbuterol at three dose levels in adults with FSHD to see if it is safe and tolerable.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.