RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Proving Utility of a New Field-cycling MRI Prototype in Acute Stroke Patients

This research wants to find out if a new kind of MRI scan, called Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI), can show important changes in the brain within the first day of a stroke. Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when there's bleeding. The main goal is to see if FCI can spot brain areas that could get better in the first few hours after a stroke starts. This could help doctors understand who might benefit most from certain treatments. We'll compare this new scan to a standard MRI. Some participants will also provide blood samples and have follow-up scans a month later.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

Start

16 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Stroke Acute

What is this study about?

This study aims to investigate a new way of looking at the brain using a special type of scanner called Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI). When someone has a stroke, it's really important for doctors to know quickly which parts of the brain are badly damaged and which parts might still be saved. This new FCI scanner could potentially give doctors a clearer picture of the stroke's effects very early on.

The main question we're trying to answer is whether the FCI scanner can identify brain tissue that is struggling but not yet permanently damaged within hours of a stroke. If it can, this information could be incredibly helpful in guiding treatment decisions. For example, it might help doctors decide if certain treatments to restore blood flow are more likely to work for a particular patient.

By comparing the new FCI scans with standard MRI scans, researchers hope to prove that this new technology could improve how we assess and treat people who have just had a stroke. This research is a step towards making stroke care more effective and personalised in the future.

Key takeaways

Testing a new type of MRI scan (FCI) for stroke.
Aims to find out if FCI can spot brain tissue that might recover after a stroke.
Participation involves initial scans and potentially follow-up scans/blood tests.
No new medications are given as part of the study.
Information from this study could improve future stroke treatment.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who have recently had a stroke, specifically within the last 24 hours. Their stroke needs to be severe enough to cause noticeable symptoms, as assessed by a doctor, and involve certain parts of the brain.

To take part, you must be able to have two types of MRI scans (a standard one and the new FCI scan) within 24 hours of your stroke. It doesn't matter if you have received a clot-busting medicine (thrombolysis) or not.

However, you cannot join the study if you have any medical conditions that prevent you from having an MRI scan (like certain metal implants), if you are very unwell or unstable, or if you find it difficult to understand and follow instructions for the scans. Also, if you were already quite disabled from a previous condition before this stroke, or if doctors have decided you need a procedure to remove a large clot (called thrombectomy), you won't be able to participate. Likewise, if your doctors suspect your symptoms are from something other than a new stroke, or if you have very extensive previous brain damage, you won't be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have you had a stroke within the last 24 hours?
Are you able to have an MRI scan safely (no metal implants that prevent it)?
Can you understand and follow instructions for a scan?
Were you generally independent before this stroke (not very disabled)?
Is this your first significant stroke or not from another non-stroke illness?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have two different brain scans: a standard MRI and the new Field-Cycling Imaging (FCI) scan. These will be done as soon as possible after you arrive at the hospital, typically within 24 hours of your stroke symptoms starting. Some participants will also be asked to provide a blood sample. If your stroke was caused by a blocked blood vessel, you will have a follow-up visit about 30 days later. At this follow-up visit, you will have both the standard MRI and FCI scans repeated, and you will also be asked to provide another blood sample. There are no study medications involved; this study is focused on imaging and blood tests. The total duration of your participation will be about 30 days for those in the follow-up group, or just the initial scans for others.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information gained could help doctors understand and treat stroke patients better in the future. The main risks are those generally associated with MRI scans, such as claustrophobia or discomfort. Blood draws may cause slight bruising or discomfort. All efforts will be made to ensure your comfort and safety. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Aberdeen
Verified postcode
Aberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'Field-Cycling Imaging' scan?

It's a new type of MRI scan that doctors hope will give a more detailed picture of brain changes after a stroke.

Will this study help me directly?

It might not directly change your treatment, but the information gained will help improve stroke care for future patients.

How long will I be in the study?

For some, it's just the initial scans. For others, it involves follow-up scans and blood tests about 30 days later.

Do I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study only involves scans and blood samples, not new medications.

What happens if I change my mind?

You can leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your ongoing medical care.

How to find out more

Mary Joan MacLeod, PhD

m.j.macleod@abdn.ac.uk +44 1224 437842 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.