Hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate Metabolic MRI With Traumatic Brain Injury
United States15 participantsStarted 2023-10-26
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to examine the safety and feasibility of using hyperpolarized metabolic MRI to study early brain metabolism changes in subjects presenting with head injury and suspected non-penetrating traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study will also compare HP pyruvate MRI-derived metrics in TBI patients with healthy subjects as well as Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients to better understand if metabolic Magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) can improve our ability to diagnose a TBI.
The FDA is allowing the use of hyperpolarized \[1-13C\] pyruvate (HP 13C-pyruvate) in this study.
Up to 15 patients (5 with TBI, 5 with SAH, and 5 healthy volunteers) may take part in this study at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).
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:
* History of acute head injury with or suspected non-penetrating acute TBI
* Suitable to undergo contrast-enhanced MRI
* Negative serum pregnancy test
Exclusion Criteria:
* Inability to undergo MRI scan
* Inability to receive IV MRI contrast agents secondary to severe reaction or renal insufficiency
* Positive pregnancy test
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
Measures of conversion of pyruvate to lactate (apparent conversion rate constant kPL, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio) and pyruvate to bicarbonate (apparent conversion rate constant kPB, bicarbonate-to-pyruvate ratio)