PUFFINS Brain Health Imaging
Proving the Utility of Ultra-low Field MRI for Assessing Brain Health
This project will try lower-cost low-field, ultra-low-field, and field-cycling MRI scans alongside standard 3T MRI to image the brains of adults aged 50+ with cerebral small vessel disease who do not report memory problems.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 85 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Aberdeen Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Aberdeen and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06947876 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
PUFFINS compares novel low-field, ultra-low-field, and field-cycling MRI methods with conventional 3T MRI in people with cerebral small vessel disease. Eligible participants will undergo enrollment and follow-up research scans using each imaging approach at University of Aberdeen imaging sites to compare image quality and detection of SVD features. The goal is to see whether lower-cost, simpler scanners can reliably identify markers of SVD and track changes over time. Results will guide development of more accessible MRI options for diagnosis and monitoring of small vessel disease.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 50 or older with cerebral small vessel disease (Fazekas score 1–3), who do not report memory problems, can give informed consent, and have no MRI contraindications are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with a history of major stroke, those with reported memory loss or dementia, or anyone with contraindications to MRI (for example implantable cardiac devices) are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make brain imaging for small vessel disease much cheaper and more widely available, enabling earlier detection and better monitoring of progression.
How similar studies have performed: Early research on low-field MRI and field-cycling imaging has shown promise for some brain applications, but these techniques remain relatively novel and are not yet established in routine clinical practice.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ≥ 50 years old. * Subjects who do not report problems with memory. * Small vessel disease (Fazekas score 1 to 3). * Suitable body habitus. * Able to understand written and spoken English. Exclusion Criteria: * History of major stroke (minor stroke/Transient Ischaemic Attacks or lacunar stroke are acceptable). * Individuals unable to give informed consent. * Contra-indications to MRI scanning such as implantable cardiac devices.
Where this trial is running
Aberdeen and 1 other locations
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen — Aberdeen, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- AMT Center, Univeristy of Aberdeen — Aberdeen, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mary Joan MacLeod
- Email: m.j.macleod@abdn.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 1224 438352
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.