Magnetic Resonance Elastography for Hydrocephalus

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byKeith D Paulsen, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

No Placebo Group

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of this project is to assess the utility of a new magnetic resonance technique called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in the non-invasive diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. The investigators hypothesize that MRE produces a unique imaging signature for hydrocephalus that distinguishes the disease from the normal (non-hydrocephalic) but atrophied brain, a distinction not possible with conventional MR imaging studies that are presently available.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 21 with adult onset hydrocephalus, which includes conditions like normal pressure hydrocephalus. Participants should have symptoms such as memory issues, urinary incontinence, or walking problems and enlarged ventricles on brain scans. It's not for those with pacemakers, pregnancy, severe organ dysfunction or diseases that make surgery too risky.

Inclusion Criteria

You are older than 21 years old.

You have been diagnosed with hydrocephalus that started in adulthood.

You have experienced memory loss, urinary incontinence, or trouble walking that is getting worse.

+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have a device like a neuro-stimulator or a cardiac pacemaker implanted in your body.

Pregnancy

You have a known blood clotting problem or a major problem with one of your organs.

+2 more

Participant Groups

The study tests a new MRI technique called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to see if it can better identify hydrocephalus compared to standard MRI by looking for unique patterns in the brain that indicate the disease.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: MREExperimental Treatment1 Intervention