Field‑Cycling MRI to detect early brain changes after an acute stroke
Official title: Proving Utility of a New Field-cycling MRI Prototype in Acute Stroke Patients
Run by University of Aberdeen · NCT07004140 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Aberdeen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aberdeen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 16, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2026 |
| Study ends | May 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07004140 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
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 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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.