Fibromuscular Dysplasia

Researchers are creating a registry to study people with early changes in the stomach lining that may lead to gastric cancer. This includes those with gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia. The study also enrolls healthy individuals and people with gastric cancer to compare baseline characteristics and better understand risk factors for disease progression. Participants fall into three groups those with specific stomach lesions, healthy controls, and people with gastric cancer. The study collects information through questionnaires about clinical history, environmental exposures, lifestyle, and diet. This observational study does not involve any treatment but gathers health data to support future research. Participants will complete questionnaires and provide health information over a period that may last up to 10 years. The main goal is to build a detailed participant registry. Researchers will monitor and analyze the collected data to identify factors related to the progression of stomach lesions to cancer. Participation involves regular data collection but no active treatment, with safety and privacy monitored throughout the study.

Barrett Esophagus is a condition where the esophageal lining changes, increasing the risk of developing precancerous tissue and adenocarcinoma. This study compares two treatment methods for Barrett Esophagus complicated by dysplasia the new EndoRotor system versus the established Radiofrequency ablation. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments in eradicating Barrett Esophagus and associated dysplasia. The study is randomized and controlled, conducted by the University Hospital, Angers. The EndoRotor system mechanically removes the esophageal mucosa in one session through a device that cuts and aspirates tissue, allowing for histological analysis after treatment. Radiofrequency ablation uses thermal energy to destroy the abnormal mucosa, typically requiring multiple sessions with a debridement step using acetylcysteine spray before ablation. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either EndoRotor or Radiofrequency treatment. Both methods aim to fully eradicate Barrett Esophagus tissue but differ in technique and potential costs. Participants will undergo endoscopic evaluations before and after treatment, with biopsies taken to assess the presence of Barrett Esophagus and dysplasia at 3 and 12 months post-treatment. Safety assessments include monitoring discomfort, pain, and adverse events for up to 3 months. The study also evaluates the quality of tissue samples for pathological analysis, treatment cost-effectiveness, and the number of additional treatment sessions needed. Total participation may last up to a year, with multiple follow-up visits to monitor treatment success and safety.

This research aims to evaluate how people with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection SCAD andor Fibromuscular Dysplasia FMD respond in terms of heart and lung function, blood flow, and symptoms during different types and intensities of exercise. The study focuses on these specific conditions and seeks to understand the effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on affected individuals. Participants will complete three exercise tests separated by at least 48 hours. These include a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test involving cycling with increasing effort to exhaustion, a two-stage submaximal cycling test with moderate and heavy intensity phases, and a series of six resistance exercises such as chest press, lateral raises, abdominal crunches, planks, leg press, and weighted lunges. Each test is designed to measure responses under controlled exercise conditions. During the study, participants will have their blood pressure, perceived exertion, and blood lactate levels measured at various time points before, during, and after exercise. Questionnaires assessing functional status and physical activity will also be completed at baseline. The study monitors these outcomes to understand exercise impact and safety in this population. Participation will last through these testing periods with assessments occurring around the exercise sessions.

Researchers are exploring how microvascular blood flow and blood pressure respond to stress in people with a history of spontaneous coronary artery dissection SCAD. This observational study uses stress contrast echocardiography to fill existing knowledge gaps about heart function in these patients compared to healthy individuals. The study is sponsored by Mayo Clinic and involves both participants with SCAD and healthy volunteers. The main procedure studied is stress echocardiography with contrast, which evaluates heart function and blood flow changes under stress. Participants are grouped into those with SCAD history and healthy subjects with no significant medical issues. The study measures changes in microvascular function, blood pressure, and heart rate immediately before and after the stress echocardiography. Participants will undergo baseline assessments followed by the stress echocardiography test with contrast. Researchers will monitor changes in heart performance and vital signs during the procedure. The study aims to understand the differences in cardiovascular responses between SCAD patients and healthy individuals. Participation involves a single visit with focused heart imaging and monitoring, with no ongoing treatment or long-term follow-up described.

This research compares the function of the sympathetic nervous system and arterial health, including artery structure and mechanics, between people who have had spontaneous coronary artery dissection SCAD and healthy individuals matched by age and sex. The study aims to understand differences in neurovascular function related to SCAD. It is sponsored by Mayo Clinic and is observational in nature without randomization or blinding. Participants with a history of SCAD and healthy control participants will undergo a series of diagnostic tests to assess neurovascular function. These tests include arterial tonometry to measure arterial stiffness, echocardiograms for heart ultrasound images, carotid ultrasounds to image the carotid artery, elastography to assess artery elasticity, ankle-brachial index to evaluate peripheral artery blood flow, and microneurography combined with stress maneuvers to measure sympathetic nerve activity. During the study, participants will have baseline assessments of arterial thickness, arterial stiffness, baroreflex sensitivity, and sympathetic responses to stress. The study monitors these parameters to better understand the neurovascular systems role in SCAD. Participation involves diagnostic testing without treatment intervention, and the study is expected to complete by August 2027.

Researchers are evaluating the potential of a new technique called Brillouin microscopy to diagnose corneal conditions such as keratoconus and ectasia. The study compares the biomechanical properties of corneas in people with keratoconus, those with post-LASIK ectasia, and individuals with normal corneas. This observational study aims to better understand differences in corneal tissue using this advanced imaging method. Participants include volunteers with normal corneas, patients diagnosed with various stages of keratoconus, individuals who had LASIK surgery with or without complications, people scheduled for PRK or LASIK surgery, and patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. The study involves axial scans of the cornea using Brillouin imaging to assess and compare corneal biomechanics across these groups. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria apply to each group based on diagnosis, prior surgeries, and other eye health factors. During the study, participants undergo corneal imaging to measure the corneas elastic modulus, reflecting its biomechanical properties. Researchers monitor these properties over time to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of Brillouin microscopy. Participants will be assessed for corneal health through topography, pachymetry, and clinical evaluations, with the study lasting several years to gather comprehensive data. The research team also excludes individuals unable to understand imaging instructions or with certain eye conditions to ensure accurate measurements.

Researchers are investigating how minocycline affects blood pressure in adults with treatment-resistant hypertension. The study aims to determine to what degree minocycline lowers blood pressure and whether these effects involve changes in the gut microbiota, gut leakiness, systemic inflammation, neuroinflammation, or a combination of these factors. This phase 4 clinical trial includes a neuroimaging substudy to explore brain-related impacts. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either minocycline hydrochloride 100 mg twice daily or a matching placebo, both given for 3 months. The study includes three visits screening, randomization, and a 3-month follow-up. Those in the neuroimaging substudy will undergo PETMR imaging at each visit. Throughout the study, participants will undergo medical exams, behavioral questionnaires, blood tests for various biomarkers, urine and saliva tests to assess adherence, stool sample analysis for gut microbiota, and blood pressure monitoring including unattended office and 24-hour ambulatory measurements. At the final visit, blood will also be tested for drug concentration to confirm treatment adherence. The main outcomes measured include 24-hour systolic blood pressure, gut microbiome changes, gut inflammation and leakiness, and neuroinflammation.

Researchers are evaluating the baroloop system, a device implanted to stimulate the vagus nerve, for treating adults with hypertension that does not respond well to medication. The study aims to find out if the baroloop is safe, including checking for serious medical problems or death, and if it effectively lowers blood pressure in participants. This is a multicenter clinical trial sponsored by neuroloop GmbH. Participants will have the baroloop device implanted and will attend follow-up visits at 14 days, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months after implantation. During these visits, device settings may be adjusted, and various assessments related to the study will be performed. Participants will also answer questions about their quality of life throughout the study period. During the trial, researchers will monitor safety and performance outcomes, especially focusing on safety and blood pressure changes 6 months after stimulation begins. Participants will undergo regular clinical evaluations and provide feedback on their well-being. The total duration of participation includes multiple visits over two years, ensuring close monitoring and adjustment of the device as needed.

Researchers are conducting a large, international observational study called the Canadian SCAD Study to understand spontaneous coronary artery dissection SCAD, a condition that mainly affects young women without usual heart risk factors and can lead to heart attacks or death. SCAD is often misdiagnosed due to limits of current tests, so this study aims to better understand the conditions natural history, predisposing factors, and treatments over time. The study will enroll about 3,000 patients diagnosed with SCAD from multiple centers in Canada, the United States, and other countries. Participants will be followed for up to 10 years to track cardiovascular events. A genetic sub-study involves a one-time saliva sample collection. The study uses electronic consent for wide geographic participation and collects detailed health history and investigations related to SCAD. Participants will undergo detailed baseline assessments, including history and diagnostic testing, and will be monitored regularly for heart-related outcomes both during hospitalization and over the long term. The main outcomes measured include cardiovascular events during hospital stay and up to 10 years later. Secondary outcomes include arterial healing and success of coronary procedures. This long-term follow-up aims to improve knowledge of SCAD and guide future treatment trials.

Researchers are studying Spontaneous Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection SISMAD, a condition increasingly diagnosed but with limited evidence guiding treatment. This observational study compares the effects of conservative treatment versus endovascular treatment to understand which approach better helps patients with this condition. The study is sponsored by Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and aims to provide real-world evidence to improve clinical decisions for SISMAD. Participants receive either endovascular treatments or conservative care. Conservative treatment includes managing blood pressure, bowel rest, antithrombotic therapy, nutritional support, and pain control. The study observes these treatment groups over time to assess outcomes without altering usual care. There is no randomization or blinding since this is an observational study. Participants will be followed for up to five years with regular monitoring of symptom relief and survival. Researchers will also track reintervention needs, recurrence, disease complications, and artery remodeling. Patients will undergo clinical evaluations and imaging to assess their conditions progress. The study involves long-term observation to gather comprehensive data on treatment effects and safety.