Ferumoxytol Enhanced Hippocampal Vascular Imaging in Epilepsy

What this Trial Is About

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common form of epilepsy that often does not respond to medication. Surgery can potentially cure seizures for some patients, but only about 50% remain seizure-free after 10 years. This research aims to better understand which factors predict surgical success, focusing on detailed imaging of tiny regions in the hippocampus, a brain area affected in TLE. New MRI techniques using a drug called ferumoxytol are being studied to improve imaging of small blood vessels in these hippocampal areas. Participants will receive ferumoxytol (Feraheme), an iron-based contrast agent approved for anemia treatment and now being tested to enhance MRI images of brain vessels. The study involves administering ferumoxytol diluted with saline via an IV pump during MRI scans. The first phase includes scanning healthy control subjects to match imaging quality from previous studies. The second phase compares the hippocampal microvasculature between control subjects and patients with TLE and hippocampal sclerosis using the same imaging method. Participants will undergo MRI scans while receiving one injection of ferumoxytol. Researchers will evaluate the quality of vascular images and measure vessel density in hippocampal subregions. Safety during infusion and scanning will be monitored closely. The study includes adults aged 18 to 64, both healthy and those with TLE. The main outcome is the enhanced imaging of cerebral vasculature using ferumoxytol during MRI. Participant involvement lasts for the duration of the scan and infusion procedure.

Enhanced MRI Imaging in Healthy Participants and Participants With Epilepsy