Imaging Techniques in MRI

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH CLINICAL CENTER (CC) · May 25, 2010

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on improving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to create better and clearer images of the body. Researchers want to find the best ways to use MRI scans, which can vary depending on the equipment and facility. The goal is to develop new methods that help doctors get a more accurate picture of patients' health, especially regarding heart-related issues.

To participate, you need to be at least 18 years old and in good health, meaning you shouldn't have any medical conditions that would make an MRI unsafe for you, such as certain metal implants or severe claustrophobia. If you join, you can expect to have at least one MRI scan that may last from 20 minutes to 2 hours, along with some blood tests. Some scans might use a special contrast agent to enhance the images. You may also be asked to return for additional scans over the next few years, but no more than one scan will be done every four weeks. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and your willingness to travel to the NIH for follow-up visits is important.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • A. Volunteer individuals
• B. Lab Eligibility parameters (for contrast scans within 4 weeks of gadolinium injection):
• • C. Creatinine below upper normal limit
• • D. eGFR \>= 60 mL/min/1.73m2
• • E. Age \>= 60 or history of renal disease: test GFR within 1 week prior to contrast
• • F. Willing to travel to the NIH for follow-up visits.
• • G. 18 years old
• • H. Able to understand and sign informed consent
• • I. No MRI scan with gadolinium injection in the last 6 months under this protocol.
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• A. Implanted metal clips or wires of the type which may concentrate radiofrequency fields or cause tissue damages from twisting in a Magnetic field. Examples:
• • Aneurysm clip, implanted neural stimulator,
• • Implanted cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, or certain other implanted electrical or metallic devices,
• • Cochlear implant, ocular foreign body (metal shavings),
• • Any implanted device (pumps, infusion devices, etc.),
• • Shrapnel injuries,
• • History of metal in head or eyes or other parts of the body.
• • B. Pregnant women
• • C. Paralyzed hemidiaphragm
• • D. Over 500 lbs and/or a body circumference that prevents the study subject from laying flat in the scanner
• • E. Surgery of uncertain type
• • F. Untreatable claustrophobia otherwise requiring anesthesia.
• • G. Any contraindications that the Physician identifies from the subject, MRI Safety Questionnaire, and/or History and Physical.
• EXCLUSION FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR GADOLINIUM CONTRAST:
• (Inclusive of the above exclusion criteria):
• • A. Allergy to gadolinium for scans using contrast; will be eligible for non-contrast scans.
• • B. Acute renal failure, renal transplant, dialysis and renal failure individuals (eGFR \<60 mL/min/1.73m2 and/or clinically diagnosed).
• • C. Individuals with a history of liver transplant or severe liver disease.
• • D. Lactating women
• • E. Individuals with hemoglobinopathies or severe asthma.
• • F. Patient preference to not undergo intravenous line placement and/or receive gadolinium contrast. Contrast administration is optional and participants may still undergo a non-contrast study.
• • G. GBCA with an MRI scan in the last 6 months. This includes scan performed with GBCA at any outside institution and / or at the clinical center .In addition, they cannot have reached their maximum of 4 GBCA imaging studies under this protocol. They will be excluded from having a contrast enhanced MRI, but will not be excluded from the protocol for non-contrast MRI studies.