Imaging Neuromelanin and Iron in dystonia/parkinsonism
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Imaging Neuromelanin and Iron in dystonia/parkinsonism
IRAS ID
243171
Contact name
Kailash P. Bhatia
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Research Office, UCL
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
No Z6364106/2018/04/17, Data Protection Number
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Some of the conditions that present with predominant dystonia (twisted movements) and/or parkinsonism (slowing of movements) can present in a clinically very similar way, although the underlying cause might be quite different. So far extensive auxiliary testing including at times invasive investigations are needed to differentiate these causes.
For this study we are planning to examine in how far neuromelanin quantification by widely available MR-imaging could be extended as an imaging biomarker to aid the diagnostic workup in movement disorders beyond PD. In particular, this study aims to establish first data for conditions so far not examined with advanced MR sequences, including sporadic and genetic forms of dystonia.
For this pilot study, we are planning to invite patients for a single-visit to the study site at the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, where after informed consent, they will be examined clinically and with the aid of standardized clinical questionnaires, before being examined in the MR-imaging scanner for a maximum of 35min, which concludes the study visit.
If confirmed, neuromelanin imaging could, in addition to contributing to our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, constitute an imaging biomarker for DRD and other conditions. This includes the possibility to be explored into a marker for diagnosis or progression monitoring.REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1326
Date of REC Opinion
2 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion