MRI of carotid atheroma inflammation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Utility of magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of carotid atheroma inflammation- a pilot study
IRAS ID
174463
Contact name
Jonathan H Gillard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Narrowing (atherosclerosis) of one of the main neck blood vessels (carotid artery) is a risk factor for patients having a stroke. This narrowing is due to fatty deposits (called plaques) in vessel wall. An increase in the presence of white blood cells (called macrophages) in these deposits produces areas at risk of causing a stroke or heart attack (inflammation). These risky areas make deposits friable and at risk of rupture resulting in stroke. In this preliminary study, we aim to develop a new method of identifying these risky areas in vessel wall with the help of a special magnetic scan called MRI and a dye (contrast) called Ferumoxytol. It will be the first time that this dye will be used for detection of these risky areas in neck blood vessels. By developing this technique we may gain insight into its value for identification of risky areas. It may also help us assess effectiveness of new treatments against these risky areas.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EE/0281
Date of REC Opinion
7 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion