Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 16 to 80

Monitoring brain metabolism using advanced imaging techniques

Official title: Brain Metabolism Observed at 3 Tesla or 7 Tesla in Health and Metabolic Disease

Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT05085704 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to monitor how the brain uses energy in people with Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome by using advanced imaging techniques to see how certain labeled nutrients are processed.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages16 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 3, 2022
Main results expectedJune 1, 2029
Study endsAugust 1, 2029
Registry record updatedJune 1, 2026
Trial IDNCT05085704 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adolescents and adults aged 16 to 65 with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of Glut1 Deficiency.

Probably not a fit

Patients with uncontrolled seizure disorders or those who are pregnant 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 observational study aims to develop a methodology for monitoring the flux in the citric acid cycle in the brain using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at 7 Tesla. The protocol involves 13C-labeling of physiological molecules such as glucose, lactate, and pyruvate to study their oxidation patterns in both control subjects and those with Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome. Participants will undergo a 7T MRI exam to correlate the spectroscopy results with brain structure, enhancing our understanding of glucose metabolism disorders. The study focuses on adolescents and adults aged 16 to 65 with a confirmed diagnosis of Glut1 Deficiency.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into brain metabolism that may lead to improved management of Glut1 Deficiency and related glucose metabolism disorders.

How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using advanced imaging techniques have shown promise in understanding metabolic disorders.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects will be adolescents or adults, age 16-80 years in good general health (evidenced by normal vital signs and no acute signs or symptoms of illness) or with previously (not for this study) documented G1D (genetically confirmed).
2. Ages 16 to 80
3. Persons with dental fillings, dental crowns, and short (max.4 cm) dental retainer wires can be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. People or patients with uncontrolled seizure disorder, defined as grand mal (not absence) seizure in the preceding 3 months.
2. Pregnant females will be excluded. A serum or urine pregnancy test will be administered to all females of child bearing potential within 24 hours of administration of the tracer and MRI scan. The pregnancy test will be communicated in person by the study PI. Positive results in subjects 17 years old or younger will be disclosed to parent/guardian only.
3. Subjects with typical implanted orthopedic metal in bone may be considered for inclusion in a 7T scan providing the implant is not within the volume of the radio frequency coil. The PI and the AIRC Medical Director will discuss each case and determine eligibility.
4. Persons with ICD, pacemakers, neurostimulators and other such devices will be excluded.
5. Persons with claustrophobia are excluded.
6. Persons with questionable ferrous implants, bullets, BB's, and shrapnel will be excluded.
7. Subjects who are not fluent in English will be excluded because immediate cooperation and the ability to respond to instructions from the investigators are necessary.
8. People following a ketogenic diet

Where it's running

  • Weill Cornell Medicine
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • UT Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, Texas, United States
    Terminated

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.