MRI-Based Lesion Differentiation in Older Patients With Multiple Sclerosis (NCT07444047) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
MRI-Based Lesion Differentiation in Older Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Norway1,000 participantsStarted 2026-05-11
Plain-language summary
This study investigates whether an advanced MRI technique called Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) can improve the differentiation of white matter lesions in people aged 50-70 years with multiple sclerosis (MS). In older individuals with MS, white matter changes seen on MRI may be related to MS or to other types of white matter changes, most commonly age-related changes or chronic small vessel disease. These conditions can appear similar on conventional MRI scans, making interpretation challenging.
Participants will undergo routine clinical MRI, including a short additional QSM sequence, as well as brief cognitive and physical assessments. A comparison group with cerebral small vessel disease will also be included.
The goal of the study is to determine whether QSM can provide more precise lesion characterization and support more accurate clinical interpretation of MRI findings in older patients with MS.
Who can participate
Age range
50 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 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) cohort (AgeMS):
* Age 50-70 years
* Clinically confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
* Participation in the AgeMS study at Oslo University Hospital
Inclusion Criteria Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (cSVD) control cohort:
* Age 50-80 years
* Radiological evidence of hypertensive small vessel disease on MRI
* Good clinical recovery following transient ischemic attack (TIA), minor stroke, or stroke mimic diagnosis
Exclusion Criteria Multiple Sclerosis (MS) cohort:
* MRI contraindications
* Severe psychiatric comorbidity
* Major functional disability unrelated to MS or CSVD
Exclusion Criteria Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (cSVD) control cohort:
* MRI contraindications
* Probable or definite cerebral amyloid angiopathy according to Boston criteria 2.0
* Genetic or inflammatory vasculopathies
* Persistent neurological deficits
* Severe psychiatric comorbidity
* Major functional disability unrelated to CSVD
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
Lesion-Level Quantitative Susceptibility (ppb) Within T2 FLAIR Hyperintense White Matter Lesions at Baseline
Timeframe: Baseline MRI (single MRI session for both cohorts)