Evaluating plaque characteristics to predict recurrent strokes in MCA stroke patients

Plaque Characteristics From Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predict Recurrent Stroke in Ischemic Stroke Patients Due to Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis

Observational University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City (UMC) · NCT06404242

This study is testing if certain features of plaque in the arteries can help predict if people over 45 who had a stroke will have another one.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment125 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City (UMC) Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ho Chi Minh City)
Trial IDNCT06404242 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the correlation between plaque characteristics observed through high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) and the occurrence of recurrent strokes in patients who have experienced their first ischemic stroke due to middle cerebral artery (MCA) atherosclerosis. The study focuses on patients over 45 years old who have significant stenosis and have undergone a comprehensive stroke workup. By analyzing the complex pathology of atherosclerosis, the researchers hope to identify specific plaque features that could indicate a higher risk of recurrent strokes, thereby improving treatment strategies based on individual etiology.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients over 45 years old who have had a first-time ischemic stroke due to MCA atherosclerosis with more than 50% stenosis.

Not a fit: Patients with carotid artery stenosis, strokes in territories other than MCA, or those with alternative causes for their stenosis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better prediction and prevention of recurrent strokes in patients with atherosclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using HR-MRI to predict recurrent strokes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients who had a first-time ischemic stroke due to MCA atherosclerosis stenosis more than 50% and admitted to our hospital within 7 days after onset.
* Patients are more than 45 years old.
* Patients had HR-MRI and have done the full stroke workup (including carotid duplex scanning, fasting lipid profile, Holter ECG 24 hours, cardiac ultrasound,...)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients also have stenosis of the carotid artery (more than 50%) on the same side of ischemic stroke.
* Patients also have an ischemic stroke in territories other than MCA territory.
* Patients had any characteristics that suggested other causes for their stenosis, including moyamoya, dissection, and inflammation on their MRI and HR-MRI.
* Patients with evidence suggestive of cardioembolism (Atrial fibrillation, decreased EF \<50%, recent heart attack in 3 weeks, rheumatic valvular heart disease, dilated cardiopathy, sick sinus syndrome, infective endocarditis).
* Any signs suggestive of autoimmune disease or increased coagulation state.
* Patients with severe concomitant disease could affect the 6-month follow-up of the patients.

Where this trial is running

Ho Chi Minh City

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 Stroke, IschemicAtherosclerosis, Cerebral
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.