Using Advanced Brain MRI Scans to Predict Neurological Recovery in Coma Patients After Cardiac Arrest

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of advanced whole-brain MRI techniques to predict neurological recovery in patients who remain in coma after cardiac arrest. The study compares a predictive model based on detailed structural and functional MRI data with standard clinical, electrophysiological, serum biomarker, and neuroimaging predictors. The goal is to improve the accuracy of outcome predictions at 6 months after the coma caused by an anoxo-ischemic event. Participants will undergo a standard multimodal prognostication process that includes clinical exams, severity scoring, laboratory tests, electrophysiology, and standard neuroimaging within 1 to 15 days after inclusion. In addition, they will receive an advanced whole-brain structural MRI, functional MRI, and contrast-enhanced MRI scan between Day 1 and Day 7 after inclusion, following sedation withdrawal and under normothermia conditions. Some participants at one center may have a second advanced MRI and blood sample collections to study changes over time and novel biomarkers. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed using neurological functional scores and consciousness scales at hospital discharge and at 3 and 6 months after cardiac arrest. The research team will track the performance of the MRI-based predictive model in forecasting neurological outcomes. The participants medical care will not be influenced by study participation, and a strict protocol ensures standardized withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies. The total study period extends up to 6 months for outcome evaluation.

Combined Whole-brain Structural and Functional MRI for the Prediction of Neurological Recovery After Cardiac Arrest