Using high-resolution MRI to study brain artery plaques in stroke patients

High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaques in Ischemic Stroke (HRMRI-ICAS): a Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study

General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region · NCT05897645

This study is testing how high-resolution MRI can help understand the plaque in brain arteries of stroke patients to find better ways to prevent future strokes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2110 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGeneral Hospital of Shenyang Military Region (other)
Locations1 site (Shenyang)
Trial IDNCT05897645 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients who have experienced ischemic stroke due to intracranial atherosclerosis, which is prevalent in Asia. It utilizes high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) to non-invasively assess the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in the brain's arteries. By analyzing plaque composition and morphology, the study aims to enhance understanding of stroke etiology and inform secondary prevention strategies. The study will include patients aged 40 and older who have had a stroke within the last two weeks and meet specific inclusion criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 40 and older who have experienced an ischemic stroke within the last two weeks and have specific imaging findings.

Not a fit: Patients with intracranial hemorrhage, contraindications to MRI, or serious comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing recurrent strokes in patients with atherosclerotic disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies using high-resolution MRI for assessing vascular plaques have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Patient age ≥40 years
* 2\. Time of stroke onset: within 2 week
* 3\. Baseline NIHSS score ≤16
* 4\. Ischemic stroke confirmed by head CT or MRI
* 5\. Premorbid mRS ≤1
* 6\. The degree of stenosis of extracranial arteries including internal carotid artery, vertebral artery on the lesion side ≤50%
* 7\. The culprit plaque or possible culprit plaque with plaque burden of 40% or more found by HRMRI in the proximal part of the middle cerebral artery M1 segment or basilar artery of ipsilateral lesion
* 8\. Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Intracranial hemorrhage found by head CT
* 2\. Had a contraindication to MRI,or could not complete required MRI sequences
* 3\. Intracranial tumor, arteriovenous malformation, or aneurysm
* 4\. Comorbidity with any serious diseases and life expectancy is less than one year
* 5\. Pregnancy
* 6\. Patients not suitable for this clinical studies considered by researcher

Where this trial is running

Shenyang

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, Intracranial Atherosclerosis, High Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.