Using advanced MRI to study brain metabolism in traumatic brain injury

Utility of Hyperpolarized 13C-Pyruvate Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Early Cerebral Metabolic Crisis After Traumatic Brain Injury

Phase 1 Interventional University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT06103201

This study is testing a new type of MRI to see how brain metabolism changes in people with traumatic brain injury compared to healthy individuals and those with a different brain condition.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT06103201 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of hyperpolarized metabolic MRI to investigate early changes in brain metabolism in patients with suspected non-penetrating traumatic brain injury (TBI). It will compare MRI-derived metrics from TBI patients to those from healthy subjects and patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) to enhance diagnostic capabilities. The study will involve up to 15 participants, including 5 with TBI, 5 with SAH, and 5 healthy volunteers, all undergoing hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate MRI scans at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a history of acute head injury and suspected non-penetrating TBI.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot undergo MRI scans or have severe reactions to contrast agents may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved diagnostic methods for traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of hyperpolarized MRI is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in assessing metabolic changes in other conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* History of acute head injury with or suspected non-penetrating acute TBI
* Suitable to undergo contrast-enhanced MRI
* Negative serum pregnancy test

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to undergo MRI scan
* Inability to receive IV MRI contrast agents secondary to severe reaction or renal insufficiency
* Positive pregnancy test

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Traumatic Brain InjurySubarachnoid Hemorrhage
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.