Investigating Leukoaraiosis with Advanced MRI Techniques

Longitudinal Evaluation of Leucoaraiosis Using Multimodal MRI With Fingerprinting Technique

This study is testing a new MRI technique to see how leukoaraiosis affects the brain's white matter in patients over 40 who have been diagnosed with the condition.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 250 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Lille Catholic University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Lomme)
• Trial ID: NCT06181981 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on leukoaraiosis, a condition affecting the brain's white matter due to chronic hypoxia and vascular risk factors. It employs a novel MRI technique known as fingerprinting to obtain detailed multiparametric imaging in a single acquisition, allowing for comprehensive analysis of white matter changes. The study aims to explore the relationship between leukoaraiosis and various MRI parameters, particularly T1 and T2 relaxation times, to enhance understanding of the condition's pathophysiology. Participants will be patients over 40 years old diagnosed with leukoaraiosis through imaging at the St Philibert Hospital.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 40 years old who have been diagnosed with leukoaraiosis via MRI or CT scan.

Not a fit: Patients under 40 years old or those without a diagnosis of leukoaraiosis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies for patients with leukoaraiosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of MRI fingerprinting is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing imaging techniques for neurological conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient over 40 years of age
* Suffering from leucoaraiosis
* Diagnosed via cerebral MRI or CT scan performed by the St Philibert Hospital imaging department

For the groups:

* incidental LA (patients included in group 1): on the MRI, FLAIR images showed the presence of hyperintense white matter lesions, assessed at a minimum FAZEKAS grade 2+2, the origin of which was related to small artery disease discovered incidentally or during acute management in GHICL's neurovascular intensive care unit. The CT scan revealed hypodense patches of deep periventricular white matter, also of minimal Fazekas grade 2+2.
* LA and ischemia (patients included in group 2): on the MRI, FLAIR images show the presence of hyperintense white matter lesions with an extent assessed at a minimum grade of FAZEKAS 2+2: their origin is related to small artery disease discovered during acute management of cerebral ischemia in the GHICL's Neurovascular Intensive Care Unit.
* LA and cerebral hemorrhage (patients included in group 3): on the MRI, FLAIR images show the presence of hyperintense white matter lesions of minimal FAZEKAS grade 2+2: their origin is related to small artery disease discovered during the acute management of a cerebral hemorrhage, in the GHICL's Neurovascular Intensive Care Unit.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Claustrophobia preventing MRI scan
* MRI contraindication
* White matter lesions with diagnosis not formally established, doubtful, multifactorial or related to a differential diagnosis
* Patients with dementia or pathology that precludes longitudinal follow-up
* Institutionalized patients
* Agitation not allowing MRI to be performed
* Pregnant women
* Patients under guardianship
* Patients objecting the use of their data

Where this trial is running

Lomme

• Grupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille — Lomme, France (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Marie Paule LEBITASY, MD

Conditions: Leukoaraiosis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, White Matter Hyperintensities, Normal Appearing White Matter