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Recruiting NCT04569006

Multi-contrast Versus Multi-sequence Carotid MRI

Observational Atherosclerosis

For patients and families

In plain language

An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.

What is being studied
This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
Who it may be relevant to
Registry conditions: Atherosclerosis. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
What needs checking
Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
Where it takes place
Netherlands
Next step
Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Official title

Level of Agreement in the Assessment of Carotid Plaque Composition Between Multi-contrast and Multi-sequence MRI

Overview

The objective of this study is to validate 2 multi-contrast sequences, namely the Multi-contrast ATherosclerosis Characterization (MATCH) and Bright-blood and black-blOOd phase SensiTive (BOOST) inversion recovery sequence for the quantification of atherosclerotic plaque components with conventional multi-sequence MRI and histology.

Detailed description

Rationale: Rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque is the most important cause of stroke and myocardial infarction. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with its high soft tissue contrast is well suited for atherosclerotic plaque imaging to identify high-risk plaques. High soft tissue contrast enables the visualisation of different plaque components based on which the plaque can be classified as stable or vulnerable. To identify the various plaque components, in a conventional MRI examination multiple MRI sequences are acquired, which can take approximately 30-40 minutes. This can be uncomfortable for the patient and it is impractical in daily clinical practice. As an alternative, multi-contrast sequences have recently been developed which acquire multiple contrast weightings simultaneously, significantly reducing the scan time (\< 6 minutes). Apart from a reduction in scan time, because these contrast weightings are acquired simultaneously, they are inherently co-registered which is not the case with conventional sequences.

Objective: The objective of this study is to validate 2 multi-contrast sequences, namely the Multi-contrast ATherosclerosis Characterization (MATCH) and Bright-blood and black-blOOd phase SensiTive (BOOST) inversion recovery sequence for the quantification of atherosclerotic plaque components with conventional multi-sequence MRI and histology.

Study design: cross-sectional validation study Study population: 40 patients with a carotid artery plaque ≥2 mm based on ultrasound or Computed Tomography Angiography.

Intervention (if applicable): not applicable Main study parameters/endpoints: the presence and volumetric measures of plaque components (fibrous tissue, lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque hemorrhage and calcifications) and volumetric measures of the vessel wall and lumen as assessed with multi-contrast MRI will be compared to those as assessed by conventional multisequence MRI and, if available, histology of the surgically removed specimen in patients that are scheduled for carotid endarterectomy.

Primary outcome measures

  • Presence of Intra Plaque Hemorrhage (IPH) [Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
  • Scoring the presence of other plaque tissues [Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months]
  • Calculate correlation between plaque tissues [Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months]
  • Correlation between plaque tissues components and histology [Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 months]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet the following criteria:

  • Patients with a carotid plaque ≥ 2 mm thick based on ultrasound or CTA
  • Age 18 years or older (no maximum age)
  • Informed consent by signing informed consent form regarding this study

Exclusion criteria

A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

  • Patients with carotid plaque ≤ 2 mm in size based on ultrasound or CTA
  • Standard contra-indications for MRI (electronic implants like pacemakers or other electronic implants, metallic eye fragments, vascular clips, claustrophobia, etc.)
  • Severe co-morbidity, dementia or pregnancy

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: No

Study design

Observational model
Case-only

Study locations

Netherlands · 1 center
  • Maastricht University Medical Center — Maastricht

Identifiers

NCT: NCT04569006 · ABR73156

Primary sources (government registries)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗