Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Researchers are evaluating the use of high-resolution 7 Tesla MRI imaging of the spine to better distinguish bone spurs from disc material and to more clearly show compressed nerves in the neuroforamen compared to standard 3 Tesla MRI. This study aims to provide surgeons with detailed anatomical images before surgery, potentially reducing the need for CT scans when bone anatomy is crucial. Participants undergo a 7 Tesla MRI scan of the spine, which is a diagnostic imaging procedure. The study compares the 7 Tesla MRIs ability to differentiate compressed nerves with that of the 3 Tesla MRI over a two-year period. This observational study does not involve treatment but focuses on imaging evaluation. During the study, participants will have MRI scans and may provide informed consent for participation. Researchers will assess imaging details to measure how well the 7 Tesla MRI depicts nerve compression compared to standard imaging. The primary outcome is the differentiation of compressed nerves in the neuroforamen over two years. Participants involvement length and visit frequency depend on the imaging schedule and clinical needs.

Researchers are evaluating the use of high-resolution 7 Tesla MRI to examine the cervical spine with a focus on differentiating nerve roots and surrounding tissues within the neural foramina. This imaging also allows detailed assessment of the vertebral arterys anatomy and its relationship to nearby neural structures. The study aims to establish standard measurements of nerve roots, ganglia, and neuroforamen diameters as reference values. Participants will undergo 7 Tesla MRI scans to capture detailed images of their cervical spine. The study includes individuals over 18 years old who have chronic back pain lasting more than 2 months without recent trauma or prior MRI for clinical reasons, as well as asymptomatic participants to depict normal microanatomy. No treatments are administered, as this is an observational diagnostic imaging study. During the study, participants will be assessed through the MRI scans to measure nerve and ganglia diameters in millimeters and to evaluate the relationship between the vertebral artery and neural structures by checking for the presence of fat tissue between them. These measures will be recorded and analyzed over approximately one year. The study is sponsored by Balgrist University Hospital and will continue until September 2027.

Researchers are investigating the imaging characteristics of Parkinsons Disease PD using 7-Tesla 7T magnetic resonance imaging MRI. The study aims to detect subtle changes in patients with a short history of PD compared to healthy individuals, explore imaging differences among PD subtypes, and identify neuroimaging biomarkers that can distinguish these subtypes. This observational study also includes a long-term follow-up to assess the relationship between imaging changes and clinical symptom progression. Participants will undergo 7T-MRI scanning to capture detailed brain images. The study focuses on comparing imaging data from different PD subtypes and healthy subjects to understand functional and structural brain connectivity alterations. Follow-up imaging and clinical assessments will be conducted over several years to monitor changes and their correlation with motor symptoms. During the study, participants will have regular MRI scans and clinical evaluations to track motor symptoms and brain connectivity features. Researchers will measure changes in motor function five years after enrollment, alongside clinical and imaging variables. The study includes healthy volunteers and patients with PD, with ongoing observation to link imaging findings to disease progression and motor symptom changes.

Researchers are investigating early detection and risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma HCC in adults with advanced liver disease, specifically those with liver cirrhosis from various causes. This prospective multicenter study aims to compare ultrasound and abbreviated MRI AMRI as surveillance tools to assess their ability to detect HCC, as well as to study how body composition, such as fat and muscle levels, relates to disease progression and HCC risk. Participants with cirrhosis undergo regular clinical evaluations and imaging tests at set intervals, including ultrasound and abbreviated MRI scans. The study collects detailed data on body composition and tracks clinical outcomes like liver-related complications and mortality. These assessments occur over multiple visits, including baseline and follow-ups at 6, 12, and 18 months, with additional monitoring for up to 24 months to observe new cases of HCC and disease progression. During the study, participants receive structured exams, imaging, and body composition measurements at each visit. Researchers evaluate lesion risk for HCC using LI-RADS criteria and measure muscle mass through the Muscle Assessment Score. They also monitor liver stiffness and organ volumes at baseline and follow-up visits. The studys goal is to develop prediction models based on these clinical and imaging data to better understand HCC risk and liver disease progression over time.

Researchers are studying how the hormonal and metabolic changes during puberty affect brain development and function. This study focuses on boys and girls from pre-puberty through post-puberty, examining how puberty influences brain structure, behavior, stress response, and the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia, which show differences between sexes emerging during adolescence. The study aims to fill gaps in understanding the relationship between pubertal events and brain changes across adolescence. Healthy boys and girls aged 8 to 17 years will be assessed at intervals of eight to ten months over several years. Their pubertal status will be determined using reproductive, endocrine, metabolic, and physical measures. Brain imaging techniques, cognitive and behavioral evaluations, metabolic tests, and stress hormone measurements will be conducted. Adults aged 25 to 35 years will also be studied to compare adult brain data with that from adolescence. Participants who were children in earlier parts of the study may return as adults for further evaluation. Participants will undergo regular brain imaging, cognitive testing, metabolic assessments, and evaluations of stress hormone responses. The study will track changes in brain function using fMRI and other imaging methods, as well as behavioral and hormonal assessments. Genetic factors influencing puberty and brain development will also be analyzed. The study is naturalistic and longitudinal, with assessments continuing from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood for some participants, providing a comprehensive view of pubertal impact on the brain and behavior.

Researchers are investigating the relationship between gut microbiota dysfunction and Alzheimers disease AD, focusing on how gut-derived short-chain fatty acids SCFAs may influence brain function through the gut microbiota-SCFAs-brain networks pathway. This observational study will explore differences in SCFAs among people across the AD spectrum, including cognitively normal individuals, those with subjective cognitive decline SCD, mild cognitive impairment MCI, and AD dementia. The project aims to clarify the interactions between gut microbiome, metabolites, and brain changes using high-throughput metabolomics and multi-modal MRI techniques. Participants will be grouped into four categories cognitively normal, SCD, MCI, and AD dementia. The study involves collecting multi-omics data, including gut microbiome analysis, metabolomics, and neuroimaging, to establish a diagnostic model for SCD due to preclinical AD using machine learning methods. The study spans five years, during which gut microbiome changes, SCFAs levels, and multi-omics biomarkers related to cognitive impairment conversion will be monitored. Participants will undergo cognitive tests and brain imaging scans, along with gut microbiome and metabolite sample collection. Researchers will assess the interaction mechanisms of the gut microbiota-SCFAs-brain networks over five years. The study includes both healthy volunteers and patients aged 60 to 80. Outcome measures focus on changes in gut microbiome, SCFAs, and biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, with long-term follow-up to better understand the disease progression and its early detection.

Researchers are studying whether a new method of defining the radiation target areas can improve progression-free survival and reduce radiation complications in patients with high-grade glioma. This trial compares this new target delineation approach with the standard European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer EORTC method. The goal is to see if the new method leads to better outcomes for patients after surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The trial group receives radiotherapy using the new target delineation scheme based on CT-MRI fusion images, with careful dose limits to protect sensitive brain areas. The control group receives radiotherapy following the EORTC target delineation method. Both groups receive temozolomide chemotherapy concurrently during radiotherapy at 75 mgm daily, followed by six cycles of adjusted temozolomide dosing after radiotherapy. During the study, participants will be monitored for progression-free survival up to three years after randomization. Researchers will also evaluate overall survival, quality of life using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, and the incidence of radiation-related complications. Follow-up visits and assessments will continue through study completion to track these outcomes and ensure patient safety.

Researchers are conducting a pilot study to evaluate a new portable 0.7 Tesla T MRI brain scanner developed at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research CMRR. This study aims to demonstrate the human brain imaging capabilities of this innovative device, which is designed to be compact and more accessible compared to traditional MRI machines. The study uses a unique high-temperature superconducting magnet-based scanner that is lightweight, weighing only 400 kg, and requires no cryogens. The device allows participants to sit normally with clear sightlines to the room and produces lower noise during scanning, enhancing comfort during the procedure. Participants will undergo brain imaging using the portable 0.7 T MRI scanner. Researchers will assess the quality of the images obtained on the first day of scanning as the primary outcome. The study includes healthy volunteers aged 18 and older who can consent for themselves and have no contraindications for MRI. The total duration and follow-up details are not specified.

This research aims to evaluate Bevonescein, a sterile intravenous drug, in patients undergoing minimally invasive abdominopelvic surgery. The study focuses on assessing the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of Bevonescein in highlighting nerves and ureters during surgery. It also investigates how the drug behaves in the body and the dose needed to produce clear fluorescent imaging for nerve and ureter visualization. Participants will receive Bevonescein during two study phases a dose defining phase and a dose expansion phase for each surgical setting. The drug is given as an intravenous infusion, and the study uses specialized imaging systems to record fluorescence signals in targeted tissues. These phases help determine the optimal dose and gather safety and imaging data. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored with fluorescence system surveys approximately 28 days after dosing, plus or minus 5 days. Researchers will collect data on the drugs imaging effects and safety. The total duration includes screening, dosing, and follow-up assessments to evaluate Bevonesceins performance during minimally invasive surgery.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA is a serious vascular condition involving the enlargement of the abdominal aorta, which can lead to rupture and life-threatening bleeding. Because AAA often shows no symptoms until rupture, early detection and accurate monitoring are essential. This research focuses on evaluating computed tomography angiography CTA as a key imaging method to improve diagnosis and risk assessment for AAA. The study collects CTA imaging results from patients with AAA seen in inpatient, emergency, and outpatient settings at the study hospital. CTA provides detailed images of the aneurysms size, wall thickness, thrombus presence, and relation to nearby structures. These details are important for making decisions about when to intervene and how to manage the condition. Participants will have their maximal abdominal aortic diameter measured using CTA within one month, along with tracking of rupture events, mortality, and other aneurysm characteristics. The study gathers important clinical data to help refine AAA screening and treatment timing. Participation involves undergoing CTA scans and data collection, with the aim to develop better assessment standards and personalized care for AAA patients.