High-resolution 7 Tesla MRI of the cervical spine for adults with or without chronic back pain
7 Tesla MRI Evaluation of the Spine
This uses a very-high-field 7 Tesla MRI to see how clearly nerve roots, ganglia, and the vertebral artery can be seen in adults with chronic back pain or in people without symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Balgrist University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT04445584 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational imaging project acquires high-resolution 7T MRI scans of the cervical spine to map fine anatomic details. Scans focus on differentiating nerve roots and ganglia from surrounding tissues within the foramina and on visualizing the vertebral artery's relation to neural structures. The protocol includes adults over 18 with chronic back pain (>2 months) as well as asymptomatic volunteers and excludes those with prior spine surgery, tumors, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or any MRI contraindications. All imaging is performed at Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich to build reference data on normal microanatomy and nerve dimensions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 who can give informed consent, either have chronic back pain lasting more than two months or are asymptomatic volunteers, and have no prior spine surgery, spinal tumor, pregnancy/breastfeeding, or MRI contraindications.
Not a fit: People with prior spine surgery, spinal tumors, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or any MRI contraindication are not eligible and therefore would not receive benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide clearer images of cervical nerve structures and arteries, helping clinicians distinguish normal anatomy from disease and improving diagnostic confidence.
How similar studies have performed: High-field 7T MRI has shown superior anatomical detail in brain research and some spinal imaging reports, but routine use for precise cervical nerve root and ganglia measurements is still relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Informed consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form) * \>18 years old * Patients presenting chronic back pain (\> 2 months) without recent trauma, previous MRI (1,5 or 3T) for clinicals indications or asymptomatic individuals (for depicting normal microanatomy) Exclusion criteria: * previous surgery * tumor patients * pregnancy or breast feeding * any MRI contra-indications * any MRI contra-indications
Where this trial is running
Zurich, Canton of Zurich
- Balgrist University Hospital — Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
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.