Reproducibility Study of Transcranial Doppler.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reproducibility Study of Transcranial Doppler Microembolic Signals Detection in the Middle Cerebral Artery.
IRAS ID
218354
Contact name
David Newby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh Research Governance, ACCORD
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 0 days
Research summary
Hardening of the neck vessels (carotid arteries) caused by fatty deposits called 'plaques' is a common cause of strokes. Over time plaques can burst or may lead to a severe narrowing (stenosis) of the neck artery. When plaques burst, small clots or fatty particles (called microemboli) break off, block brain vessels and lead to a stroke. We have an incomplete understanding of the processes that cause hardening of the arteries, development of small clots and are unable to predict who will have a stroke. At present, the only ultrasound scan that evaluates circulation in the head and detects these small clots is called the Transcranial Doppler ultrasound. We want to test this simple ultrasound technique to see if we can detect signals that may correspond to these small clots or fatty particles. We also want to see how repeatable the ultrasound technique is. This may help us to identify patients with hardened neck arteries who are at higher risk of a recurrent stroke. This could also potentially improve patients selection to a targeted surgical or future novel pharmacological therapy.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
16/SS/0217
Date of REC Opinion
30 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion