Investigating heart inflammation in stroke patients using PET/MRI
PET/MR in Post Stroke Cardiac Inflammation Study
This study is testing if heart inflammation is higher in stroke patients compared to people without a stroke and whether it lasts for three months after the stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05791617 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the relationship between stroke and cardiac inflammation by utilizing positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 15 days post-stroke. It will compare the cardiac inflammation levels in patients who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke to a control group of age- and sex-matched individuals without stroke. Additionally, the study will assess whether this inflammation persists at three months after the stroke event. The research is being conducted at the London Health Sciences Centre and involves patients who consent to participate.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke in the MCA territory and are willing to consent.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of known heart disease or those who have had a stroke in the previous three months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of cardiac complications following a stroke and lead to improved management strategies for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using PET/MRI to assess cardiac inflammation post-stroke is novel, related studies have indicated the importance of inflammation in cardiovascular complications following stroke.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years willing to cons Age ≥18 years willing to consent * Patients with acute ischemic stroke in the right or left MCA territory, admitted to University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) or evaluated at LHSC's Urgent TIA and Stroke Prevention Clinic. Acute ischemic stroke is defined as acute onset focal symptoms matching an acute brain infarct documented on a Head CT or on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) MRI of the brain showing restricted diffusion. * Willing to consent. Exclusion Criteria: * History of known heart disease defined as known atrial fibrillation, prior myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, heart failure, prior cardiovascular surgery or percutaneous intervention * Stroke in the previous 3 months before the qualifying stroke. * High-sensitivity Troponin-T (HS-TnT) \>100 ng/L on routine standard of care acute stroke bloodwork. * Clinically or neurologically unstable patients as per the treating physician. * Ongoing infection or recent infection within the previous 3 months. * Surgery within 3 months before the stroke. * Concurrent inflammatory conditions (connective tissue diseases, rheumatological disease, etc.) or use of anti-inflammatory medications. * Contraindications to the use of gadolinium (e.g., pregnancy, stage IV renal insufficiency) * Subjects will be excluded if they fail the St. Joseph's Health Care standard MRI screening questionnaire. Briefly, this questionnaire screens for: Heart Pacemakers / Wires, Aneurysm Clips, Shunt / Surgical Clips, Shrapnel / Bullets, Dentures or Metal braces, Intra-Uterine Device, Heart Valves, Ear Implants, Prostheses, Medication Patches (Nicoderm, Habitrol, Transderm-Nitro, etc.), Claustrophobia, History of a head or eye injury involving metal fragments. Patients with an eGFR \< 40 will be excluded, as impaired renal function places the patient at a higher risk for a rare reaction to Gd-DTPA, the MRI contrast agent.
Where this trial is running
London, Ontario
- Heart & Brain Lab, Western University — London, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Luciano Sposato, MD — London Health Sciences Center, Western University
- Study coordinator: Diana Ayan, MSc
- Email: diana.ayan@lhsc.on.ca
- Phone: +1 519.685.8500
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.