Improving diagnosis of ALS using MRI and electromyography
Contribution of Whole Body Muscle MRI for Early Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
This study is testing if using MRI and electrical tests together can help doctors diagnose ALS more accurately in patients who might have the disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Toulouse Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toulouse) |
| Trial ID | NCT04868994 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance the diagnostic accuracy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by combining whole body muscle MRI with electromyography (EMG). It will involve 50 patients suspected of having ALS, where both imaging and electrical assessments will be conducted to identify signs of denervation. The study will utilize established diagnostic criteria to classify the severity of ALS and compare findings from MRI and EMG across various muscle groups. The goal is to achieve a more definitive diagnosis at the onset of the disease.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients suspected of having ALS who meet the Awaji Shima criteria for possible, probable, or definite ALS.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to undergo MRI due to contraindications or those with severe respiratory failure may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of ALS, allowing for timely intervention and management.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of MRI and EMG for ALS diagnosis is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving diagnostic certainty in neuromuscular disorders.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Consent form signed by the patient * Patients suspected ALS defined according Awaji Shima criteria (possible, probable, defined) * Clinical assessment of upper motor neuron involvement * Electrophysiologic assessment of lower motor neuron involvement Exclusion Criteria: * inability to give informed consent * a contraindication to MRI * respiratory failure impairing ability to lie flat in the scanner. * Patient placed under judicial protection or under another protective regime, * Females who are pregnant
Where this trial is running
Toulouse
- Pascal CINTAS — Toulouse, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pascal CINTAS, MD — University Hospital, Toulouse
- Study coordinator: Pascal CINTAS, MD PHD
- Email: cintas.p@chu-toulouse.fr
- Phone: 05 61 77 94 40
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.