Diffusion MRI for early detection of brain white matter disease

The Role of Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) in the Early Evaluation of Brain White Matter Diseases

This project will test whether diffusion MRI can find early changes in the brain's white matter in adults suspected of white matter disease.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 150 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The General Authority for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes (Research network)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo)
• Trial ID: NCT07108712 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational protocol uses diffusion MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging metrics, to detect microstructural changes in brain white matter that may precede clear clinical symptoms. Adults aged 18–80 with clinical suspicion of early-stage white matter disease and age- and sex-matched healthy controls will undergo MRI scanning and comparison of dMRI metrics. The study emphasizes detection sensitivity and accuracy by comparing imaging findings with clinical presentation and exclusion of major neurological diagnoses. Results will characterize whether dMRI markers reliably identify early white matter abnormalities across different disease presentations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–80 with a clinical suspicion of early-stage white matter disease, able to provide informed consent and without prior major neurological diagnoses, are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have MRI contraindications (for example metal implants or pacemakers), or have severe psychiatric or cognitive impairment preventing participation are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enable earlier detection of white matter disease, allowing earlier monitoring and possible earlier treatment to slow progression.

How similar studies have performed: Diffusion MRI and DWI are established tools in stroke and have shown promise in research on other white matter disorders, but routine use for early detection across many white matter diseases is not yet widespread.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18-80 years.
* Clinical suspicion of early-stage white matter disease.
* No prior diagnosis of significant neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, brain tumors).
* Ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* Contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (e.g., metal implants, pacemakers).
* Severe psychiatric or cognitive impairment that prevents participation.
* Control Group: Healthy individuals without any clinical history of neurological diseases, matched by age and sex to the patient cohort.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

• General Authority for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Hekmat S Baumey, MD

Conditions Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Brain White Matter Diseases