Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 86

Understanding the connection between heart and brain in acute ischemic stroke

Official title: The Bern Heart and Brain Interaction Study - Interaction Between Brain and Heart in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Run by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT03720522 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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 typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 86 Years
SexAll
Enrollment220 (estimated)
SponsorInsel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bern, Canton of Bern)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 1, 2018
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2025
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedNovember 22, 2024
Trial IDNCT03720522 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 85 who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke within the last 12 hours.

Probably 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.

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 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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Bern University Hospital - Inselspital
    Bern, Canton of Bern, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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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.
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.