Study of Advanced Functional MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging to Predict Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether advanced MRI techniques can help predict neurological outcomes in patients who remain comatose after cardiac arrest. This observational study focuses on three main questions whether brain activations measured by stimulus-based functional MRI fMRI, resting state network connectivity measured by resting state fMRI rs-fMRI, and white matter integrity measured by diffusion tensor imaging DTI are associated with favorable neurological recovery. These advanced imaging measures are studied alongside standard clinical MRI and neurological assessments. Participants will undergo specialized MRI scans using stimulus-based fMRI, resting state fMRI, and DTI sequences during their clinical MRI session. These scans provide detailed information about brain function and structure that researchers will analyze to determine their relationships with patient outcomes. The study does not involve experimental treatments but collects imaging data at a single time point during routine MRI. During the study, participants are monitored and followed for six months after their cardiac arrest event. The main outcome measured is the Cerebral Performance Category Score at six months, which reflects neurological function. Secondary outcomes include similar neurological assessments at two weeks. Researchers will use statistical methods to relate MRI findings to these outcomes. Participant care continues as usual, and the study observes how MRI results may inform prognosis over time.

fMRI in CardiaC arrEst With Uncertain Prognosis