Field‑Cycling MRI to detect early brain changes after an acute stroke
Proving Utility of a New Field-cycling MRI Prototype in Acute Stroke Patients
This will test whether a new Field‑Cycling Imaging MRI can identify brain areas that might recover when used within 24 hours in adults with an acute stroke and moderate to severe symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Aberdeen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aberdeen) |
| Trial ID | NCT07004140 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study uses a prototype Field‑Cycling Imaging (FCI) scanner alongside standard 3T MRI to image the brain as soon as possible after hospital admission for acute stroke (under 24 hours from symptom onset). Participants receive both a standard MRI and an FCI scan; those with an ischemic (blocked vessel) stroke also give blood samples and return at 30 days for repeat scans and blood testing. Eligible patients generally have moderate to severe symptoms (NIHSS ≥4 and <25) with cortical involvement or large vessel occlusion and must be able to undergo MRI. Patients who are medically unstable, have MRI contraindications, have very large prior infarcts, or are already selected for thrombectomy are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with an acute stroke within 24 hours of symptom onset, NIHSS between 4 and 24 with cortical involvement or large‑vessel occlusion, and who can safely undergo 3T and FCI MRI are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with MRI contraindications, who are medically unstable, already selected for thrombectomy, have prior major disability (mRS >3), or have very large cortical infarcts may not benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, FCI could help clinicians spot salvageable brain tissue earlier and better target treatment decisions to improve recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Conventional MRI methods (diffusion and perfusion) have been useful in identifying salvageable tissue, but application of Field‑Cycling Imaging in acute stroke is largely novel and untested clinically.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Acute stroke (\<24 hours from symptom onset). * NIHSS ≥4 and \<25 with cortical involvement and/or large vessel occlusion on baseline imaging. * Able to undergo 3T and FCI MRI \<24h of onset. * With or without thrombolysis. Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to MRI. * Medically unstable. * Unable to comprehend or comply with instructions regarding scanning * Prior mRS of \>3. * Identified for thrombectomy. * Non-stroke pathology or previous cortical infarct on CT scan \> 1/3 of middle cerebral artery territory.
Where this trial is running
Aberdeen
- University of Aberdeen — Aberdeen, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mary Joan MacLeod, PhD
- Email: m.j.macleod@abdn.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 1224 437842
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.