Using MRI to study brain differences in metabolic diseases

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Metabolic Diseases

Observational University of Ulm · NCT06709846

This study is trying to see how brain differences in people with metabolic diseases compare to healthy individuals using MRI scans.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment126 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Ulm Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ulm)
Trial IDNCT06709846 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore structural, functional, and metabolic brain differences in individuals with metabolic diseases compared to healthy controls. The research will track the clinical and imaging histories of participants over time, focusing on how changes in whole-body metabolism and body weight may influence brain characteristics. By correlating these brain changes with body composition metrics, the study seeks to identify distinct imaging features associated with metabolic conditions. The study is conducted at Ulm University Hospital and includes adults aged 18 and older who can provide informed consent.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with metabolic diseases or healthy individuals without such conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological or psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain injuries, or other severe health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the brain's role in metabolic diseases, potentially leading to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using MRI to study metabolic diseases is established, the specific focus on correlating brain imaging with body composition metrics is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients with metabolic diseases OR
* healthy control participants without metabolic diseases
* written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of traumatic brain injuries
* preterm birth (≤34th week of pregnancy) of the study participant
* history of brain surgery
* structural brain changes (e.g., tumors, congenital abnormalities, etc.)
* neurological developmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, intellectual disability)
* epilepsy,
* drug addiction
* other severe neurological or severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia
* pregnancy
* acute clinically relevant inflammatory diseases
* acute systemic or local infections
* severe or etiologically unclear diseases depending on the principle investigators judgement
* pre-existing intellectual impairment
* significant limitations in language comprehension
* absence of written consent
* general exclusion criteria for MRI imaging (e.g., pacemaker systems, neurostimulators, cochlear implants)

Where this trial is running

Ulm

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 Metabolic DiseasesMagnetic Resonance ImagingBody Composition
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.