Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Autonomic Failure
| Status: | Recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Other Indications, Neurology |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology, Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 80 |
| Updated: | 7/28/2016 |
| Start Date: | July 2012 |
| End Date: | December 2016 |
| Contact: | Bonnie K Black, RN |
| Email: | bonnie.black@Vanderbilt.edu |
| Phone: | 615-343-6862 |
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Primary Autonomic Failure
This research study will be conducted in patients with primary autonomic failure, a
disabling condition that is associated with low blood pressure upon standing. These patients
are also not able to control for changes in their blood pressure due to a loss of
cardiovascular reflexes that are mediated within the brain. The purpose of this study is to
determine whether magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), a non-invasive imaging technique,
can measure levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the dorsal medulla, a brain area
important for control of cardiovascular function, in autonomic failure patients.
Importantly, this study will determine whether there are differences in brain chemicals
between patients with peripheral versus central origins of their autonomic failure. The
hypothesis is that the neurotransmitter profile in the medulla will be intact in patients
with peripheral autonomic failure compared to those with central impairment. Overall, this
study will provide insight into understanding the mechanisms involved in autonomic failure
and will determine whether a single session of MRS imaging can improve the ability to make
an accurate diagnosis in these patients. This would lessen the need for more extensive and
invasive clinical testing.
disabling condition that is associated with low blood pressure upon standing. These patients
are also not able to control for changes in their blood pressure due to a loss of
cardiovascular reflexes that are mediated within the brain. The purpose of this study is to
determine whether magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), a non-invasive imaging technique,
can measure levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the dorsal medulla, a brain area
important for control of cardiovascular function, in autonomic failure patients.
Importantly, this study will determine whether there are differences in brain chemicals
between patients with peripheral versus central origins of their autonomic failure. The
hypothesis is that the neurotransmitter profile in the medulla will be intact in patients
with peripheral autonomic failure compared to those with central impairment. Overall, this
study will provide insight into understanding the mechanisms involved in autonomic failure
and will determine whether a single session of MRS imaging can improve the ability to make
an accurate diagnosis in these patients. This would lessen the need for more extensive and
invasive clinical testing.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients with primary autonomic failure who are already participating in the approved
Vanderbilt study "Evaluation and Treatment of Autonomic Failure"
- Males and females of all races between 18 and 80 years of age
- Able and willing to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant women
- Patients with diagnosed Parkinson's Disease or secondary forms of autonomic failure
- Patients with severe claustrophobia
- Patients taking medications known to affect brain neurotransmitter levels [e.g.,
anti-depressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, gabapentin, namenda, sinemet]
- Patients with implanted medical devices [e.g., pacemakers, metal clips, cochlear
implants, orthopedic hardware], lead-based tattoos or pieces of metal close to or in
an important organ
- High-risk patients [e.g., heart failure, symptomatic coronary artery disease, liver
impairment, history of stroke or myocardial infarction]
- Inability to give or withdraw informed consent
- Other factors which in the investigator's opinion would prevent the subject from
completing the protocol including significant abnormalities in clinical, mental, or
laboratory testing
We found this trial at
1
site
2201 West End Ave
Nashville, Tennessee 37232
Nashville, Tennessee 37232
(615) 322-7311
Phone: 615-343-6862
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