Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exploratory Study of Cerebral Perfusion and Metabolic Alterations and Neurocognitive Disorders in Patients With Unruptured Arteriovenous Malformations Before and After Surgical Treatment

This study wants to understand more about how the brain works in adults who have a specific type of brain condition called an unruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM). An AVM is a tangle of blood vessels that can sometimes cause problems. The researchers will look at how blood flow and brain activity change before and six months after surgery to remove the AVM. They will use special brain scans and thinking tests to do this. The aim is to get a clearer picture of how these AVMs affect the brain and why some people experience brain-related issues, helping doctors make better decisions about treatment in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Montpellier

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2028

Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformation

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a condition called an unruptured arteriovenous malformation, or AVM, in the brain. Think of an AVM as a tangle of blood vessels that hasn't burst or bled yet. While some people with AVMs might not have many symptoms, others can experience problems with their thinking abilities or other brain functions. Currently, doctors decide whether to operate on an AVM based on things like its size and location, but it's not always clear if surgery is the best option for everyone, especially since surgery itself carries risks.

The main goal of this study is to understand more deeply how these AVMs affect the brain. Researchers believe that AVMs might change how blood flows and how different parts of the brain work. To find this out, they will use a special type of brain scan, known as an 18F-FDG PET scan, which helps them see brain activity and blood flow. They will also do some tests to check thinking skills before and after surgery. This will help them see if there are any changes over these periods.

By carefully studying these changes before and after surgery, the researchers hope to learn more about why AVMs cause problems for some people and how treatment might help. This project aims to gather more information to improve our understanding of AVMs and ultimately help doctors make more informed decisions about the best care for patients in the future.

Key takeaways

This study helps understand how brain AVMs affect thinking and brain activity.
It involves brain scans (PET) and tests of your thinking skills.
Assessments happen before and six months after your planned AVM surgery.
The study aims to improve future care for people with AVMs.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adult volunteers, aged 18 or older, who have been diagnosed with an unruptured AVM in their brain and are already scheduled to have surgery to treat it.

There are several reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you've decided not to have surgery for your AVM, or if you have uncontrolled diabetes, you wouldn't be able to participate. You also need to be able to lie still for about 40 minutes for certain scans. If you have a diagnosed brain-related illness that affects your thinking or mental health disorders, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this study would not be suitable for you.

Finally, if you are currently involved in another study that would prevent you from taking part, or if you are unable to give your full permission to join for legal or other reasons, you wouldn't be eligible. The team will always explain everything clearly to make sure you understand before you make any decisions.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have an unruptured AVM and are you having surgery for it?
Can you lie still for about 40 minutes at a time?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you not have uncontrolled diabetes or a diagnosed brain-related illness affecting your thinking or mental health?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would undergo specific assessments before your surgery and again six months after your surgery. These assessments would include having special brain scans (called 18F-FDG PET scans) to look at blood flow and activity in your brain. You would also complete some tests that assess your thinking abilities, memory, and other brain functions. The total duration of your involvement in the study would be about six months after your surgery. There are no study medications involved; the focus is on the scans and thinking tests in relation to your planned surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit of closely monitoring your brain's function and health before and after surgery for your AVM. While there aren't direct individual health benefits from the scans themselves, the information gathered will contribute to a better understanding of AVMs, which may improve future treatments for others. Potential risks relate mainly to the 18F-FDG PET scans, which involve a small amount of radiation, similar to other common medical scans. The research team will explain all procedures and potential risks in detail. Remember, you can decide to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Montpellier
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France

Common questions

What is an 'unruptured AVM'?

It's a tangle of blood vessels in the brain that hasn't bled or burst yet. 'Unruptured' means it hasn't caused a brain bleed.

What is an 18F-FDG PET scan?

It's a special type of brain scan that helps doctors see how active different parts of your brain are and how blood is flowing.

Will this study change my AVM treatment?

No, your decision to have surgery for your AVM will be made by you and your doctor, completely separate from this study. This study observes standard treatment.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved for about six months after your surgery, with assessments before and a follow-up six months later.

Are there any side effects from participating?

The main 'side effect' is the small amount of radiation from the PET scans, which will be fully explained to you upfront.

How to find out more

Lucas RIBEIRO, Dr

l-ribeiro@chu-montpellier.fr 0467337432 Official trial record

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