[18F]F-DOPA Imaging in Patients with Autonomic Failure

Launched by DANIEL CLAASSEN · Jan 27, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a specific imaging technique called [18F]F-DOPA PET to understand changes in dopamine production in patients with autonomic failure. Autonomic failure can occur on its own or be related to conditions like Parkinson's disease, Multiple System Atrophy, or Dementia with Lewy Bodies. By examining how dopamine levels change in certain areas of the brain, researchers hope to identify markers that can predict whether patients will develop more serious neurological diseases over time. This research could help doctors better include patients in future studies aimed at treating these conditions.

To participate in the trial, you need to be diagnosed with pure autonomic failure or have symptoms suggesting you might develop Parkinson's disease, Multiple System Atrophy, or Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Healthy adults aged 18 and older can also join. However, if you have certain medical devices in your body, are pregnant, or are unable to give informed consent, you may not be eligible. Participants will undergo imaging tests that are safe and may provide important insights into how these conditions progress.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients with a diagnosis if pure autonomic failure
• • 2. Patients with autonomic failure and possible PD, MSA, or DLB
• • 3. Healthy adults aged 18 and above
• • 4. Clinical exam confirming clinical designation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Subjects who have any type of bioimplant activated by mechanical, electronic, or magnetic means (e.g., cochlear implants, pacemakers, neurostimulators, biostimulators, electronic infusion pumps, etc.), because such devices may be displaced or malfunction.
• • Subjects who have any type of ferromagnetic bioimplant that could potentially be displaced.
• • Subjects who have cerebral aneurysm clips.
• • Subjects who may have shrapnel imbedded in their bodies (such as from war wounds), metal workers and machinists (potential for metallic fragments in or near the eyes).
• • Subjects who are pregnant, because the effects of high field MRI on fetuses are not yet known.
• • Minors (younger than 18 years)
• Also excluded are subjects incapable of giving informed written consent:
• • Subjects who cannot adhere to the experimental protocols for any reason, or have an inability to communicate with the researcher.
• • Subjects who have limited mental ability to give informed consent, mentally retarded, altered mental status, mental disability, confusion, or psychiatric disorders.
• • Prisoners