Using MRI to speed diagnosis and care for adults with acute stroke in the emergency room
The Role of MRI in the Early Diagnosis and Management of Acute Stroke and Its Impact on Turnaround Time (TAT) in Emergency Settings
We will test whether a streamlined MRI protocol helps doctors diagnose and treat adults with acute stroke faster in the emergency department.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 136 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Tanta University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tanta, El-Gharbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07138768 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study enrolls adults with acute stroke who present to the emergency department at Tanta University. Participants undergo the hospital's stroke imaging protocol, which includes magnetic resonance imaging and CT as clinically indicated, while researchers record imaging findings, time to scan, and time to treatment. The team compares turnaround times and diagnostic agreement to see how MRI-based protocols affect speed and reliability of diagnosis. Clinical care decisions are made by treating physicians and no experimental treatments are administered.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults age 18 or older who arrive at the Tanta University emergency department with symptoms of acute stroke within the treatment window and who have no contraindications to MRI are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI or CT, symptoms strongly suggestive of subarachnoid hemorrhage, uncontrolled hypertension, pregnant or lactating women, or those who receive antithrombotic or thrombolytic treatment before both scans are completed are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, using MRI stroke protocols could shorten time to diagnosis and treatment and may improve recovery and reduce long-term disability.
How similar studies have performed: Prior imaging research shows MRI, particularly diffusion-weighted imaging, detects early ischemia sooner and with higher interobserver agreement than CT, but whether that translates into faster treatment or better outcomes is still debated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years. * Both sexes. * Patients with acute stroke who are admitted to the emergency department. Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). * Symptoms strongly suggestive of subarachnoid hemorrhage. * Initiation of antithrombotic or thrombolytic treatment before the completion of both scans. * Inability to complete both scans in time to allow thrombolytic treatment within three h of the onset of symptoms. * Uncontrollable hypertension. * Pregnant or lactating women.
Where this trial is running
Tanta, El-Gharbia
- Tanta University — Tanta, El-Gharbia, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hend M Mansour, MD
- Email: hend.mansour@med.tanta.edu.eg
- Phone: 00201221474344
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.