Measuring muscle health with a handheld electrical impedance device (mScan)
Convenient Quantification of Myopathic Change in Muscle Via Electrical Impedance Myography
This project will test whether a handheld mScan device can quickly measure muscle health in adults with myopathies and in people without muscle disease by comparing its readings to MRI.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT07502989 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will use a handheld Electrical Impedance Myography device called the mScan, which is placed on the skin and uses a brief, painless electrical current to record muscle properties. Adults aged 18–89 with primary myopathic conditions and healthy controls will undergo mScan measurements alongside standard muscle MRI (and DXA where applicable) to compare results. The study will analyze how well mScan readings predict MRI measures of atrophy, edema, fatty infiltration, and overall muscle composition across different muscle diseases. Key exclusions include inability to lie flat, MRI incompatibility, severe obesity (BMI >35), significant lower-extremity edema, pregnancy, or skin conditions that interfere with EIM.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–89 with a confirmed primary myopathic condition (by genetic testing, serology, or prior biopsy) who can safely undergo MRI and lie flat for imaging, as well as healthy volunteers for comparison.
Not a fit: Patients unlikely to benefit include those with MRI contraindications (e.g., incompatible pacemakers or implanted stimulators), severe obesity or other limitations preventing MRI (BMI >35), significant lower-extremity edema or chronic skin ulcerations that interfere with EIM, pregnancy, or multiple other pathologies affecting the target muscles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the mScan could offer a quick, inexpensive, and convenient alternative to MRI for tracking muscle health and treatment response.
How similar studies have performed: Electrical impedance myography has been used in several neuromuscular disorder studies and shown promising correlations with MRI and clinical measures, but it remains an emerging biomarker rather than a full substitute for MRI.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-89 * Evidence of a primary myopathic condition as determined by detailed chart review, including results of genetic testing, serological data, or previous muscle biopsy Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to lie flat or history of claustrophobia * \>1+ lower extremity edema * Presence of multiple other pathologies affecting lower extremity muscles to be studied * Pregnancy * Contraindications for MRI scanning - e.g. MRI incompatible pacemaker, deep brain stimulator, or lower extremity hardware * Contraindications to undergo DXA Scan * Any studies/scans with a radioisotope within the past 15 days * Any imaging with radiographic contrast in the past 7 days * Weight greater than 450 lbs * Calcium supplements or antacids containing calcium in the past 24 hours * Severe obesity with BMI \> 35 kg/m2, given difficulties fitting in MRI scanner and impact of severe obesity on EIM data * Chronic skin conditions with ulcerations which would interfere with EIM electrode contact or be uncomfortable for the participant
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pushpa Narayanaswami, M.D. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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.