Examining the structure of dangerous brain plaques in stroke patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify unstable plaques in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease that pose a high risk for embolic events. Participants will undergo cranial MRI and MR angiography, followed by transcranial Doppler monitoring to detect microembolic signals. The analysis of angiograms will be conducted by investigators who are unaware of the patients' clinical backgrounds. Throughout the study, all participants will receive standard medical therapy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Inclusion Criteria for the Symptomatic Group:

  1. Patient is 30 to 85 years of age, inclusive.
  2. Patients who have an acute infarct in diffusion-weighted MRI compatible with artery-to-artery thrombo-embolism, a relevant intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis ≥60%, and MES detected by TCD.
  3. Patient who has no contra-indication for the proposed imaging tests.
  4. Patient understands the purpose and requirements of the study, and has provided an informed consent.
* Inclusion Criteria for the Asymptomatic Group:

  1. Patient is 30 to 85 years of age, inclusive.
  2. Patient who has a high-grade (\>60%) intracranial stenosis (signal void in MR angiography) but without infarct in the corresponding vascular territory in DWI or T2-weighted sequence.
  3. Patient has no MES detected on TCD examination.
  4. Patient who has no contra-indication for the proposed imaging tests.
  5. Patient understands the purpose and requirements of the study, and has provided an informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Subject who meets one or more of the following criteria cannot be recruited in the study:

1. Stroke etiology uncertain or unrelated to intracranial atherosclerosis, such as cardioembolism, Moyamoya disease, small vessel disease, etc.
2. A tandem stenosis \>50% at proximal internal carotid artery.
3. Bleeding propensity: active peptic ulcer disease, major systemic hemorrhage within 30 days, thrombocytopenia (platelets \<100 x 109/L), coagulopathy (INR \>1.5).
4. A medical condition that would not allow the patient to adhere to the protocol or complete the study.

Where it's running

• Chinese University of Hong Kong
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Thomas Wai Hong LEUNG, FRCP — Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Study coordinator: Thomas Wai Hong LEUNG, FRCP
• Email: drtleung@cuhk.edu.hk
• Phone: 852-35053593

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Longitudinal study of intracranial atherosclerosis using advanced imaging techniques

  This study is trying to see how changes in the blood vessels in the brain relate to strokes by using advanced imaging techniques to look closely at intracranial atherosclerosis over time.

  Recruiting Chinese University of Hong Kong · Hong Kong · NCT03295773

• AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals

  This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute · Leuven and 6 other locations · NCT07924371

• Remote ischemic conditioning for post-stroke insomnia

  A 136-person, randomized study will test whether a non-invasive arm-cuff procedure done twice daily for 90 days can improve sleep after a first ischemic stroke in adults 18–80.

  Recruiting Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences · Chengdu, Sichuan · NCT07874594

• Ear-based nerve stimulation to help sleep after a stroke

  A device that delivers vagal nerve stimulation through the ear is tested to see if it helps stroke patients in rehab sleep better.

  Recruiting Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare · Pomona, California · NCT07858656

• Theta Burst Stimulation to Help Stroke Recovery (Upper and Lower Limbs)

  This trial tests whether applying theta burst stimulation to the motor cortex, in combination with standard rehabilitation, helps people over 45 who recently had a first ischemic stroke recover arm and leg movement.

  Recruiting Ankara Etlik City Hospital · Ankara, Yenimahalle · NCT07834333

• Preventing another ischemic stroke with a smart bracelet and app

  This study tests whether a digital prevention program using a wearable and a mobile app can help people who recently had an ischemic stroke reduce the chance of another stroke and improve risk-factor control.

  Recruiting Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University · Nantong, Jiangsu · NCT07825311

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.