Brain Metabolism Observed at 7 Tesla

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · Oct 7, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Brain Metabolism Observed at 7 Tesla," is focused on studying how the brain processes energy in individuals with Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome and related conditions. Researchers aim to develop a new method to monitor brain metabolism using a specialized imaging technique called 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at a very high magnetic strength of 7 Tesla. By doing this, they hope to learn more about how the brain's energy production works, which could lead to better understanding and treatments for these conditions.

To participate in this study, you need to be between the ages of 16 and 65 and have a confirmed diagnosis of Glut1 Deficiency. You can still join even if you have dental work, like fillings or crowns. However, individuals with uncontrolled seizures, pregnant women, and those with certain medical implants or claustrophobia cannot participate. If eligible, participants can expect to undergo an MRI scan, which is a type of imaging that allows researchers to view the brain in detail. The study is currently recruiting, and those interested should reach out to learn more about the process and any potential risks involved.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adolescents and adults with previously documented diagnosis of Glut1 Deficiency with diagnosis genetically confirmed or confirmed by PET scan of the brain.
• • 2. Ages 16 to 65
• • 3. Persons with dental fillings, dental crowns, and short (max.4 cm) dental retainer wires can be included.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. People or patients with uncontrolled seizure disorder, defined as grand mal (not absence) seizure in the preceding 3 months.
• • 2. Pregnant females will be excluded. A serum or urine pregnancy test will be administered to all females of child bearing potential within 24 hours of administration of the tracer and MRI scan. The pregnancy test will be communicated in person by the study PI. Positive results in subjects 17 years old or younger will be disclosed to parent/guardian only.
• • 3. Subjects with typical implanted orthopedic metal in bone may be considered for inclusion in a 7T scan providing the implant is not within the volume of the radio frequency coil. The PI and the AIRC Medical Director will discuss each case and determine eligibility.
• • 4. Persons with ICD, pacemakers, neurostimulators and other such devices will be excluded.
• • 5. Persons with claustrophobia are excluded.
• • 6. Persons with questionable ferrous implants, bullets, BB's, and shrapnel will be excluded.
• • 7. Subjects who are not fluent in English will be excluded because immediate cooperation and the ability to respond to instructions from the investigators are necessary.