Actively Recruiting

All Genders
ID06019975

FDG-PET in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Encephalitis

Led by University of Milano Bicocca · Updated on 2026-03-24

90

Participants Needed

6

Research Sites

4 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This observational study evaluates brain metabolism patterns in patients with autoimmune encephalitis using fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Researchers aim to identify if there is a specific metabolic pattern in these patients compared to normal controls and those with Alzheimer's disease. Data and images will be collected retrospectively from hospital records, with controls selected from public databases. The study involves analyzing brain FDG-PET images from patients diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis who underwent this imaging during their disease course. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) will be used to analyze the brain metabolic patterns. The main focus is on comparing the metabolic activity up to 6 months after imaging. Participants' medical records, including MRI, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, autoantibody testing, and FDG-PET scans performed between clinical presentation and treatment, will be reviewed. Researchers will assess brain metabolism patterns, sensitivity of basal ganglia hypermetabolism, and diagnostic delay. Consent is required for participation. The study is observational and retrospective, with no treatment intervention involved.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

FDG-PET in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Encephalitis

Who Can Participate

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis according to clinical criteria
  • Brain magnetic resonance imaging performed between clinical presentation and treatment
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis performed between clinical presentation and treatment
  • Brain FDG-PET performed between clinical presentation and treatment
  • Autoantibodies testing performed between clinical presentation and treatment
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Refusal to give consent for the study

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)

Diagnostic Evaluation

Duration - Between clinical presentation and treatment

Participants undergo a brain FDG-PET scan to evaluate brain metabolic patterns as part of diagnosing autoimmune encephalitis.

1 visit (in-person) for FDG-PET scan

Long-term Monitoring

Duration - Up to 6 months

Participants are monitored for up to 6 months to assess brain metabolic patterns and diagnostic outcomes.

Visits as needed for follow-up assessments

Trial Site Locations

Total: 6 locations

1

Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale

Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Not Yet Recruiting

2

IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino

Genoa, Liguria, Italy

Not Yet Recruiting

3

Fondazione IRCCS Mondino

Pavia, Lombardy, Italy

Actively Recruiting

4

Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta"

Milan, Milano, Italy, 20133

Not Yet Recruiting

5

Ospedale San Paolo

Milan, Milano, Italy, 20142

Not Yet Recruiting

6

Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori

Monza, Monza e Della Brianza, Italy, 20900

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

S

Simone Beretta, MD, PhD

F

Federico Emanuele Pozzi, MD

How is the study designed?

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Masking

N/A

Allocation

N/A

Model

N/A

Primary Purpose

N/A

Number of Arms

1

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