IMAGINE - Imaging in Moyamoya Disease to Compare MRI and PET/CT Techniques for Evaluating Brain Blood Flow and Disease Activity

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve care for patients with Moyamoya Disease by advancing imaging techniques to better understand cerebral blood flow, disease activity, and progression. Moyamoya Disease is a rare condition characterized by narrowing or blockage of arteries in the brain, leading to risks of stroke. The study focuses on comparing CO2-triggered BOLD MRI with H2 15O PET/CT imaging, investigating vessel-wall changes, and correlating imaging findings with blood samples to uncover factors involved in disease progression. Participants will undergo special MRI scans including CO2-triggered BOLD MRI, vessel-wall imaging, and resting-state BOLD MRI to assess brain blood flow and disease activity. They will also have H2 15O PET/CT scans with an acetazolamide challenge for comparison. Blood samples will be collected to analyze circulating endothelial cells and viral markers. The study includes a two-year follow-up with standardized imaging, neuropsychological tests, and biosampling. Healthy volunteers and patients with intracerebral atherosclerotic disease will serve as comparison groups. Throughout the study, participants will have multiple imaging sessions and blood tests over up to 24 months. Researchers will measure how well CO2-triggered BOLD MRI matches PET/CT results, monitor vessel wall contrast changes, and track biological markers in blood. Neuropsychological assessments will evaluate brain function related to disease status. This study aims to develop imaging recommendations for pre- and postoperative evaluation of Moyamoya patients and provide insights into disease mechanisms and progression.

Imaging in Moyamoya Disease - Study to Investigate Different Imaging Technologies for a Better Understanding of Various Imaging Techniques to Evaluate Cerebral Hemodynamics, Disease-activity and Possibly the Etiology in Moyamoya Patients