Endothelial Dysfunction in Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome
France62 participantsStarted 2021-01-29
Plain-language summary
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) is a syndrome described at the end of the 20th century. Generally, it has a benign course. It is revealed by acute headaches, in different circumstances such as sexual activity, physical exertion or emotional disturbances. But, in few cases, it might be complicated by seizure, stroke and subarachnoid haemorrhage. The diagnosis is confirmed on radiological examination, which shows diffuse cerebral vasoconstriction of brain vessel. It calls reversible because at three month, vasoconstriction disappears. Most cases occur during post partum or after serotoninergic/adrenergic drug use. The pathophysiology is unknown but a transient disturbance in the control of cerebrovascular tone by sympathic hyperactivity and/or endothelial dysfunction are suspected. The assessment of endothelial dysfunction in brain is possible with transcranial doppler. Chen et al. showed an impairment of vasodilatation post apnea induced called BHI on RCVS subjects compared with healthy control. BHI is a reflect of endothelial function in brain. Currently, investigators do not know if endothelial dysfunction occurred only in brain or if it may occur in systemic vessel. Some case reports talk about systemic complication such as kidney infarct or hepatic arterial vasospasm so a systemic vascular dysfunction may be suspected. In this study, researchers will study systemic endothelial function by measure of the pulse wave velocity during RCVS and after its recovering at 3 months, and compare it at healthy controls.
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 for patients :
* Aged from 18 to 80 years old
* RVCS diagnosis evoked on clinic and radiologic finding
* Last headache was 15 days ago
* Oral consent
* Register in French social security
Inclusion criteria for control :
* Aged from 18 to 80 years old
* Hypothesis of RCVS in clinical presentation and on cerebral imaging
* Last headache less than 3 days old
* Oral consent
* Register in French social security
* Person under guardianship, curatorship or safeguarding of justice
Exclusion Criteria:
Non inclusion criteria for patient :
* Pregnant women
* Tobacco, coffee, alcohol, drugs or vasoactive recreational substances use within 2 hours prior to the examination.
* Person under guardianship, curatorship or safeguarding of justice
* Non sinusal rhythm on EKG
* Impossible of Breath holding for 30 secondes
Exclusion criteria for patient :
\- No reversibility at 3 months
Non inclusion criteria for control :
* Pregnant women
* Tobacco, coffee, alcohol, drugs or vasoactive recreational substances use within 2 hours prior to the examination.
* Non sinusal rhythm on EKG
* Impossible of Breath holding for 30 secondes
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
Compare systemic endothelial function between patient and healthy subject