CompletedNot Applicable

Validation of an Ultrasound Score for Fatty Pancreas

Italy36 participantsStarted 2020-10-01

Plain-language summary

This prospective observational study aims to validate an ultrasound scoring system for the assessment of fatty pancreas by comparing it with the current reference standard, magnetic resonance imaging-derived proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). The study will also investigate clinical and laboratory parameters associated with fatty pancreas as potential biomarkers of disease severity and evaluate the relationship between pancreatic fat accumulation, glucose tolerance and pancreatic β-cell function.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 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: * Male or female patients aged 18 to 65 years. * Diagnosis of fatty pancreas confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). * Adequate pancreatic visualization on abdominal ultrasound, defined as visualization of at least 50% of the pancreatic parenchyma. * Provision of written informed consent, signed and dated prior to study enrollment. * Ability to understand the nature of the study and to comply with all study procedures and protocol requirements. Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 years or \>65 years. * Any psychiatric condition, cognitive impairment, or other circumstance that, in the investigator's judgment, may compromise the participant's ability to comply with the study procedures or protocol requirements. * Patients with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic neoplasms, congenital pancreatic disorders, viral infections, iron overload disorders, or a history of medication use or other medical conditions that may increase pancreatic echogenicity, thereby acting as potential confounding factors in the interpretation of the ultrasound findings.

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

To validate an ultrasound scoring system for the assessment of fatty pancreas by comparing it with the current gold standard, magnetic resonance imaging-based pancreatic fat quantification using proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF).

Timeframe: 12 months

To identify clinical and laboratory parameters currently used in the diagnosis and follow-up of pancreatic disease that may serve as biomarkers of disease severity.

Timeframe: 12 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07722689

SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2022-06-23

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Fatty Pancreas trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 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.

What they're measuring

Timeframe: 12 months

To identify clinical and laboratory parameters currently used in the diagnosis and follow-up of pancreatic disease that may serve as biomarkers of disease severity.

Timeframe: 12 months