Diffusion MRI for early detection of brain white matter disease
Official title: The Role of Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) in the Early Evaluation of Brain White Matter Diseases
Run by The General Authority for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes · NCT07108712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The General Authority for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes Research network |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 7, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07108712 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running
-
General Authority for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hekmat S Baumey, MD
- Email: hekmattsamir@gmail.com
- Phone: 00201555433546
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using advanced MRI to improve deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
This study is testing if using advanced MRI technology can help improve deep brain stimulation for people with advanced Parkinson's disease by better targeting the brain areas that control movement.
-
Micropulse laser treatment for new and refractory center-involved diabetic macular edema
This project will test whether a subthreshold 577 nm micropulse laser helps adults with new or treatment-resistant center-involved diabetic macular edema reduce retinal swelling and improve vision.
-
Eye drops made from a child's own blood serum for dry eyes
This will try eye drops made from each child's own blood serum to see if they help children under 18 with moderate-to-severe dry eye that hasn't improved with artificial tears.
-
Original Denis Browne brace versus modified Denis Browne brace for relapsed idiopathic clubfoot after Ponseti casting
This project tests whether a modified Denis Browne brace works better than the original Denis Browne brace for 2- to 5-year-old children with relapsed idiopathic clubfoot after Ponseti casting.
-
Diffusion-weighted MRI with MRCP to detect tumor-related biliary blockages
This study will try diffusion-weighted MRI with MRCP to see if it can tell tumor-related biliary blockages from benign causes in adults with suspected biliary obstruction.
-
Using low dose injectable progesterone to trigger ovulation
This study is testing whether a low dose of injectable progesterone can help women aged 20 to 35 with unexplained infertility to ovulate better than a placebo.
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.