Completed
Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Scanning of Sympathetic Innervation and Function in Patients With Neurocardiologic Disorders
Led by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) · Updated on 2008-03-04
335
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study is designed to use PET scans in order to measure activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is the portion of the nervous system that maintains a normal supply of blood and fuel to organs during stressful situations. PET scan or Positron Emission Tomography is an advanced form of an X-ray. It is used to detect radioactive substances in the body. During this study researchers plan to inject small amounts of the radioactive drug fluorodopamine into patients. Fluorodopamine is very similar to the chemicals found in the sympathetic nervous system. It can attach to sympathetic nerve endings and allow researchers to view them with the aid of a PET scan. One area of the body with many sympathetic nerve endings is the heart. After giving a dose of fluorodopamine, researchers will be able to visualize all of the sympathetic nerve endings involved in the activity of the heart. In addition, this diagnostic test will help researchers detect abnormalities of the nervous system of patient's hearts.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
PET Scan in Patients With Neurocardiologic Disorders
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
The subjects are adult patients in one of the following diagnostic categories: coronary heart disease or chest pain and normal coronary arteries; myocardial dysfunction or failure; hypertension; or dysautonomia. Groups of appropriately matched healthy volunteers are studied concurrently as controls.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Minors are excluded.
Subjects in whom anatomic factors complicate vascular access are excluded.
Subjects who are not expected clinically to tolerate recumbency during the procedures are excluded.
Pregnant or lactating women are excluded.
Cardiology patients may be tested while off their usual medications. In this situation, the patients will be inpatients on the cardiology ward, managed clinically by staff of the Cardiology Branch, DIR, NHLBI. Hypertensives will be tested afer having discontinued anti-hypertensive medications for up to two weeks.
Patients who must take medications continually in the following categories are excluded: anticoagulants, tricyclic antidepressants, barbiturates, aspirin, acetaminophen.
Patients unable to discontinue nicotine or alcohol temporarily are excluded.
You will not qualify if you...
History of severe allergic reactions to study medication Currently pregnant or breastfeeding Recent participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days Presence of uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect safety
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Status Unknown
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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