MRI markers for ALS and PLS

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 enrolls adults with ALS, PLS, and healthy controls to undergo MRI scanning at 3 tesla and 7 tesla to search for imaging biomarkers. Participants receive standardized MRI protocols to capture structural and functional brain measures that may correlate with disease presence or severity. Imaging findings will be compared across diagnostic groups and linked to clinical status to identify reproducible markers. Scans require participants to tolerate extended time in the scanner and exclude those with standard MRI contraindications.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 21 to 75 years of age inclusive.
* Willing and able to give signed informed consent that has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

ALS patients:

* A clinical diagnosis of possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable, or definite ALS, according to a modified El Escorial criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of other neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, etc).
* Clinically significant history of unstable medical illness (unstable angina, advanced cancer, etc) over the last 30 days.
* Inability to undergo MRI scanning, including but not limited to unable to remain still in an MRI scanner for more than 30 minutes, claustrophobia, presence of paramagnetic substances or pacemakers in body, weight over 300 lbs, or in the opinion of the investigator, if there is a strong likelihood that the subject would not be able to lie flat comfortably for 75-90 minutes.
* The subject requires assistance to ambulate OR climb stairs, unless in the opinion of the investigator, and based upon the subject's rate of disease progression, the subject is likely to be able to participate in the MRI screening 12 months after enrollment.

Where it's running

• University of Minnesota
  Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: David Walk, MD — University of Minnesota
• Study coordinator: Valerie Ferment
• Email: ferm0016@umn.edu
• Phone: 6123011535

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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.