Effects Of Atorvastatin On Macrophage Activity And Plaque Inflammation Using Magnetic Resonance I… (NCT00368589) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Effects Of Atorvastatin On Macrophage Activity And Plaque Inflammation Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
United Kingdom47 participantsStarted 2006-07
Plain-language summary
A new way of scanning narrowing in the arteries (main blood vessels) caused by fatty deposits known as plaques has been developed. Heart attacks and strokes occur when plaques become inflamed, depending on the artery affected. Currently used clinical tests can only tell us how much the vessel is blocked by the plaque and not how inflamed (i.e. dangerous) it is. This new method of scanning using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a special agent called Sinerim can identify inflamed plaques. This study will evaluate patients with plaques in their arteries in their neck at risk of strokes to see whether treatment with a cholesterol-lowering drug called atorvastatin can reduce the amount of inflammation within the artery wall within the first three months of treatment. If this effect can be measured using MRI scanning with the use of Sinerim then the results of this study will provide additional clinical validation of the use of MRI scanning combined with agents such as Sinerem®.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria:
* Positive Sinerem®-enhanced MRI of carotid plaque confirmed by a consultant neuroradiologist
* Must either be statin naive or have been on a stable dose of a statin(Permitted statins and total daily dose are as follows: atorvastatin =10mg, simvastatin =40mg, pravastatin =40mg, fluvastatin =80mg, rosuvastatin =10mg for =4 weeks prior to screening, with no evidence of statin intolerability.)
Exclusion criteria:
* Require continued use of non-statin lipid modifying therapies or therapy with any other lipid regulating medications
* History of statin intolerance
* History of chronic viral hepatitis or other liver dysfunction
* Renal impairment with serum creatinine \>2.5 mg/dl (\>221 mol/L)
* History of myopathy or inflammatory muscle disease, or 3 times more than the upper limit of normal levels of total creatinine kinase in serum
* Doppler assessment of less than 40% stenosis during screening assessment
* Allergy to dextran and iron salts
* Contraindication to MRI scanning
* Planned carotid surgery or endovascular intervention earlier than 10 weeks within the study period
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Changes from baseline in USPIO-enhanced MRI signal in carotid plaques at 6 weeks and 12-weeks in low and high dose atorvastatin groups (within groups' comparison).