CompletedNot Applicable

ParisK: Validation of Imaging Techniques

Netherlands244 participantsStarted 2010-09

Plain-language summary

The possibility of the identification of the risk of rupture of a carotid plaque will have tremendous impact in clinical decision making. Firstly, in symptomatic patients with a 30-69% stenosis, who are currently not operated upon according to the current guidelines, identification of the risk of rupture plaque could identify patients who have a high risk of recurrent stroke, and would benefit of carotid intervention, such as endarterectomy or stent placement. This could potentially prevent a substantial number of strokes. Secondly, in all symptomatic patients with a 70-99% stenosis carotid intervention should be considered, according to the guidelines. However, only one out of six patients with a 70-99% stenosis benefits from a carotid intervention. Identification of patients with a high risk of a recurrent stroke would reduce the number of unnecessary interventions substantially. The main objective is to show whether imaging characteristics assessed at baseline can predict clinical events in patients with a 30-69 % symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * neurological symptoms due to ischemia in the carotid artery territory as diagnosed by their neurologist based on anamneses, physical examination and brain imaging (CT or MRI) * carotid artery stenosis \< 70% (upper cut-off value is based on the NASCET criteria, the lower cut-off value is an atherosclerotic plaque with a thickness of at least 2-3 mm, which corresponds to an ECST stenosis of 30% * written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * patients with probable cardiac source of embolism (rhythm disorders, mitral valve stenosis, prolapse or calcification, mechanical cardiac valves, recent myocardial infarction, left ventricular thrombus, atrial myxoma, endocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, patent foramen ovale) or a clotting disorder * patients with evident other cause of neurological symptoms than carotid stenosis due to atherosclerotic disease (like demyelinating diseases, epilepsy, congenital brain disorders, aneurysms, fibromuscular dysplasia etc) * patients already scheduled for carotid endarterectomy or stenting. * severe co-morbidity, dementia or pregnancy * standard contra-indications for MRI * patients who have a documented allergy to MRI or CT contrast media * patients with renal clearance \< 30 ml/minute are not eligible to undergo contrast-enhanced MRI * patients with renal clearance \< 60 ml/minute are not eligible to undergo MDCT * patients who had a TIA or minor stroke more than 3 months before inclusion

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

stroke

Timeframe: within 5 years of follow-up

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01208025

SponsorMaastricht University Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2016-12

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