Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 80

Mapping energy metabolism in human muscle and brain using MRI

Official title: High-resolution Phosphocreatine and Creatine Mapping of Human Muscle and Brain

Run by Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. · NCT04234880 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to use MRI scans to see and measure energy levels in muscles and the brain without needing any special dyes, which could help us understand how our cells use energy.

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Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorHugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc.
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 1, 2018
Main results expectedDecember 30, 2028
Study endsDecember 30, 2030
Registry record updatedMarch 7, 2025
Trial IDNCT04234880 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18 and older with no history of significant cardiovascular or metabolic diseases.

Probably not a fit

Patients with significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, or orthopedic diseases, as well as those with contraindications to MRI, will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop a noninvasive method for quantifying and imaging energy metabolism in human muscle and brain using clinical MRI scanners. The focus is on phosphocreatine (PCr), a key energy metabolite that can be selectively imaged without the use of contrast agents. By utilizing chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI, the study seeks to enhance the sensitivity of detecting PCr and quantify its concentration, which is crucial for understanding cellular energy homeostasis. The approach is designed to provide clinically acceptable spatial resolution and scan time, addressing a significant gap in current diagnostic capabilities.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could provide a routine diagnostic tool for assessing energy metabolism in various diseases.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar studies utilizing advanced MRI techniques for metabolic imaging have shown promise, indicating potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Subject must be at least 18 years of age Subject must be willing and able to undergo verbal and written informed consent Healthy subjects will have no history of cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, claudication or difficulty walking.

Exclusion Criteria:

1.) Unable to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of participation and give meaningful consent, 2.) Contraindications to MRI such (eg implanted metallic objects) 3.) Significant cardiovascular (heart failure, significant coronary artery disease, infiltrative or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis), pulmonary or musculoskeletal or orthopedic disease that significantly limit exercise capacity 4.) Weight greater than 350 lbs (inability to fit in the MRI), 5.) Cognitive or speech impairments that would limit completion of questionnaires or fatigue reporting. 6) Subjects with rest pain, critical limb ischemia will be excluded for the study. 7) Pregnant women

Where it's running

  • F. M. Kirby Center and Johns Hopkins University Medical School
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.