Measuring brain-surface iron with MRI in superficial siderosis
Haemdall: Developing a Quantitative MRI Biomarker of Classical (Infratentorial) Superficial Siderosis of the Central Nervous System
This project will try a new MRI technique to measure iron on the surface of the brain in adults with superficial siderosis and compare findings to healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Perspectum Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Oxford) |
| Trial ID | NCT07098650 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project uses quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), an MRI method, to quantify iron accumulation on the brain surface in people with infratentorial superficial siderosis and in healthy control participants. Participants will have specialized MRI scans and a battery of clinical tests including hearing evaluations, walking and balance assessments, and cognitive testing. Researchers will compare the MRI-derived iron measurements with symptom severity to see if imaging signals relate to clinical features. All imaging and clinical assessments are conducted on-site at Perspectum in Oxford and are noninvasive apart from standard MRI safety considerations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (18+) with a confirmed diagnosis of superficial siderosis who can consent and communicate in English, or healthy adults without neurological disorders to serve as controls.
Not a fit: People under 18, those without a confirmed diagnosis, individuals who cannot undergo MRI due to incompatible implants or severe claustrophobia, or those unable to give informed consent are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the technique could provide a noninvasive MRI biomarker to track iron burden and help monitor disease progression or responses to future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Quantitative susceptibility mapping has been used successfully to map brain iron in disorders such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, but applying QSM specifically to infratentorial superficial siderosis is relatively novel and not yet widely validated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Superficial siderosis cohort: * Male or female adults of 18 years of age or older with a confirmed diagnosis of superficial siderosis * Participants who have the capacity and a level of English proficiency that allows him/her to communicate well with the Investigator, understand and comply with the requirements of the investigation, read all participant facing documentation, as well as read and sign the informed consent form. * Participants willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the investigation Healthy cohort: * Male or female over 18 years of age without a diagnosis of a neurological disorder * Participants who have the capacity and a level of English proficiency that allows him/her to communicate well with the Investigator, understand and comply with the requirements of the investigation, read all participant facing documentation, as well as read and sign the informed consent form. * Participants willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the investigation Exclusion Criteria: * The participant may not enter the investigation if they have any contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging (including pregnancy, extensive tattoos, pacemaker, shrapnel injury or metallic unfixed implanted devices, metallic fragments, severe claustrophobia and cochlear implants) * Any other cause, including a significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the investigator, may either put the participant at risk because of participation in the investigation, or may influence the result of the investigation, or the participant's ability to participate in the investigation * Participants who do not demonstrate the capacity to understand the investigation information or provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Oxford
- Perspectum — Oxford, United Kingdom (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.