Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Track Disease Progression and Treatment Effects in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy DMD and Becker Muscular Dystrophy BMD to evaluate how magnetic resonance imaging MRI and spectroscopy MRS can track disease progression and serve as objective outcome measures for clinical trials. The study focuses on boys and men with these muscular dystrophies compared to healthy individuals of similar age, aiming to better understand muscle damage, fat accumulation, and how these relate to daily function and muscle strength over a period of 3 to 10 years. Participants include ambulatory and non-ambulatory boys and men with DMD aged 5-30, ambulatory men with BMD aged 18-62, and healthy age-matched controls. The study uses advanced MRI and MRS techniques to measure muscle lipid content, muscle damage, and contractile area in various muscle groups, including lower and upper extremities, trunk, and respiratory muscles. Participants with DMD or BMD will be re-evaluated every 6 to 12 months to monitor changes, and a subgroup will be assessed for corticosteroid treatment effects. During the study, participants undergo repeated imaging and muscle function assessments, with data collected on muscle fat, T2 relaxation times, and contractile area. Researchers also correlate imaging results with functional abilities and histological markers. The study includes safety evaluations such as monitoring for contraindications to MRI and overall medical stability. This observational study may last up to 10 years, with ongoing data collection to support future clinical trials and improve understanding of muscular dystrophy progression.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biomarkers for Muscular Dystrophy