CSF Flow MRI to aid diagnosis and prognosis in normal pressure hydrocephalus
Official title: Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics in Patients With Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Run by Chungnam National University Hospital · NCT07831044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re testing if MRI measurements of CSF flow can help diagnose normal pressure hydrocephalus and predict how patients will respond to CSF drainage.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 22 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Chungnam National University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Daejeon, Jung-gu) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07831044 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with gait disturbance plus cognitive impairment and/or urinary dysfunction, with Evans' ratio ≥ 0.3 on MRI.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to lumbar puncture or MRI, or those with other neurological conditions that mimic gait disturbance, may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study uses phase-contrast MRI to measure cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics in people with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus. It will compare CSF flow parameters before and after CSF drainage procedures to see how changes relate to clinical improvement. The goal is to see whether these imaging biomarkers can improve diagnostic confidence and prognostic predictions. The study is observational in terms of imaging analysis and assesses associations with patient symptoms and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, MRI CSF flow metrics could improve accuracy of NPH diagnosis and help guide treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests CSF flow measurements can reflect CSF dynamics; this approach has been explored but is not yet standard practice for NPH prognosis.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients presenting with clinical symptoms consistent with normal pressure hydrocephalus (presence of gait disturbance accompanied by at least one of the following: cognitive impairment or urinary dysfunction) * Evans' ratio ≥ 0.3 on brain MRI Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who cannot undergo CSF drainage due to structural abnormalities of the lumbar spine * Contraindications to lumbar puncture and CSF drainage (e.g., local infection at the puncture site, suspected elevated intracranial pressure, platelet count \< 40,000/µL, or coagulopathy) * Coexisting neurological disorders that can also cause gait disturbance, such as Parkinson's disease, atypical parkinsonian syndromes, or vascular parkinsonism * Contraindications to MRI (e.g., presence of cardiac pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, or other non-MRI-compatible implantable medical devices)
Where it's running
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Chungnam National University Hospital
Daejeon, Jung-gu, South Korea Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eungseok Oh
- Email: doctor_oh@daum.net
- Phone: 82-42-280-7800
Similar studies
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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.