Neuroinflammation in Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease - Imaging Substudy
Stopped: Recruitment issues
0Started 2028-04-01
Plain-language summary
This clinical imaging substudy will use the small molecule translocator protein (TSPO) ligand, Fludeoxyglucose(18F)-labeled DPA-714, to compare neuroinflammation in individuals with high or low grade asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (aCAD) who are participating in the separate Neuroinflammation in Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease study lead by Dr. Ron Lazar (IRB-300007806). The positron emission tomography (PET) tracer \[18F\]DPA-714 binds to the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO, also known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor) in the mitochondria of activated microglia/macrophages and provides a non-invasive measure of neuroinflammation.
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
. Critical Stenosis Group: Diagnosis of Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease (aCAD) with \>70% stenosis or peak systolic velocity on DUS ≥ 230 cm/s plus CTA or MRA confirmation.
. Participation in University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) IRB protocol "Neuroinflammation in Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease" (IRB-300007806, PI Lazar).
. Male or female age \>18 years
. English speaking with at least 8th grade education
. High affinity binder for TSPO ligands based on genotyping for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6971
. Planned revascularization for aCAD in \>14 days from time of consent
. Participation in UAB IRB protocol "Neuroinflammation in Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease" (IRB-300007806, PI Lazar).
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
Total volume distribution of the regional time-activity curves from the TSPO- PET Data.
Timeframe: Pre-study to 48 hours post PET imaging.