MRI of the aging lung in healthy elderly volunteers

Longitudinal 3He Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Healthy Lung

This study is testing how lung function and structure change as we age by using MRI scans and other tests on healthy older adults.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 180 (estimated)
• Ages: 60 Years to 90 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Western University, Canada (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (London, Ontario)
• Trial ID: NCT02483403 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves healthy elderly individuals aged 65-85 who will undergo a series of tests including MRI, pulmonary function assessments, and exercise testing. The goal is to develop tools to quantify and validate changes in lung function and structure as people age. Participants will perform various evaluations, including physical exams and spirometry, followed by MRI scans using hyperpolarized helium-3 before and after deep inhalation and bronchodilator administration. The study aims to enhance understanding of lung aging through advanced imaging techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy elderly individuals aged 60-90 with minimal smoking history and stable health.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular disorders or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for assessing lung health in the elderly, potentially guiding better management of age-related pulmonary conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While studies using MRI for lung assessment exist, this specific approach with hyperpolarized helium-3 in healthy aging populations is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects male and female aged 60-90
* Subject has a smoking history of \< 0.5 pack years
* Subject understands the study procedures and is willing to participate in the study as indicated by signature on the informed consent
* Subject must be able to perform a breathhold for 16s.
* BMI 18-30
* Subject is judged to be in stable health on the basis of medical history
* Subject able to perform reproducible pulmonary function testing (i.e., the 3 best acceptable spirograms have FEV1 values that do not vary more than 5% of the largest value or more than 100 ml, whichever is greater.)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subject is, in the opinion of the investigator, mentally or legally incapacitated, preventing informed consent from being obtained, or cannot read or understand the written material.
* Subject has a history of cardiovascular disorders including coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, severe hypertension (≥160 over ≥100)
* Subject has a daytime room air oxygen saturation \<90% while lying supine.
* Subject is unable to perform spirometry or plethysmography maneuvers
* Subject is unable or unwilling to ride a stationary bicycle
* Subject is pregnant
* In the investigator's opinion, subject suffers from any physical, psychological or other condition(s) that might prevent performance of the MRI, such as severe claustrophobia.
* Subject has an implanted mechanically, electrically or magnetically activated device or any metal in their body which cannot be removed, including but not limited to pacemakers, neurostimulators, biostimulators, implanted insulin pumps, aneurysm clips, bioprosthesis, artificial limb,

Where this trial is running

London, Ontario

• Robarts Research Institute; The University of Western Ontario; London Health Sciences Centre — London, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Grace E Parraga, PhD — Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario
• Study coordinator: Grace E Parraga, PhD

Conditions Healthy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pulmonary Function; Volunteers