Using FDG-PET to diagnose autoimmune encephalitis
FDG-PET in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Encephalitis
This study is testing if brain scans can help doctors tell the difference between autoimmune encephalitis and other conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Milano Bicocca Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia and 5 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06019975 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to compare brain FDG-PET imaging of patients diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis against normal controls and patients with Alzheimer's disease. By retrospectively analyzing data and images from hospital records, the study seeks to identify specific patterns of brain metabolism associated with autoimmune encephalitis. Participants will have undergone brain imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and autoantibody testing as part of their clinical evaluation. The study will utilize statistical parametric mapping (SPM) for image analysis, with control data sourced from validated public databases.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis who have undergone the necessary clinical evaluations.
Not a fit: Patients who refuse to give consent for the study will not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy for autoimmune encephalitis, facilitating timely and appropriate treatment for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of FDG-PET in diagnosing various neurological conditions has been explored, this specific application in autoimmune encephalitis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis according to clinical criteria * Brain magnetic resonance imaging performed between clinical presentation and treatment * Cerebrospinal fluid analysis performed between clinical presentation and treatment * Brain FDG-PET performed between clinical presentation and treatment * Autoantibodies testing performed between clinical presentation and treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to give consent for the study
Where this trial is running
Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia and 5 other locations
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale — Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy (Not_yet_recruiting)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino — Genoa, Liguria, Italy (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Fondazione IRCCS Mondino — Pavia, Lombardy, Italy (Recruiting)
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta" — Milan, Milano, Italy (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Ospedale San Paolo — Milan, Milano, Italy (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori — Monza, Monza e Della Brianza, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Simone Beretta, MD, PhD — University of Milano Bicocca
- Study coordinator: Simone Beretta, MD, PhD
- Email: simone.beretta@unimib.it
- Phone: +390392333568
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.