Understanding the connection between heart and brain in acute ischemic stroke
The Bern Heart and Brain Interaction Study - Interaction Between Brain and Heart in Acute Ischemic Stroke
This study looks at how heart problems can cause strokes and aims to improve the way doctors diagnose heart attacks in stroke patients to help them get better treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 86 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern, Canton of Bern) |
| Trial ID | NCT03720522 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between heart conditions and acute ischemic stroke, focusing on how heart attacks can lead to strokes and vice versa. It aims to improve the accuracy of diagnosing heart attacks in patients who have suffered a stroke by utilizing cardiovascular MRI and other assessments. The study will involve collecting blood and urine samples to analyze the underlying mechanisms of these conditions. By identifying the causes of stroke more precisely, the research seeks to enhance treatment strategies and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 85 who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke within the last 12 hours.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have severe renal failure, or cannot undergo MRI due to standard contraindications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better diagnostic methods for heart attacks in stroke patients, improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the interaction between heart and brain in stroke patients is a recognized area of interest, this specific approach using cardiovascular MRI is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Informed consent as documented by signature. * Age: ≥ 18 and \< 86 years. * Acute ischemic stroke with symptom onset within 12 hours before admission to hospital. * Diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke with MRI with diffusion restriction as seen on diffusion weighted imaging. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy. A negative pregnancy test upon admission is required for all women with child-bearing potential. * Standard contraindication for performing MRI. * Severe renal failure (GFR \<40).
Where this trial is running
Bern, Canton of Bern
- Bern University Hospital - Inselspital — Bern, Canton of Bern, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Simon Jung, PD Dr. med.
- Email: simon.jung@insel.ch
- Phone: +41 31 632 79 56
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.