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Cerebrovascular Reactivity Measurements With High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography

Washington University School of Medicine · NCT07776444

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Opens the official ClinicalTrials.gov record, with the study team’s contacts. Bored Studies doesn’t enroll anyone.

Key facts

Compensation
Not posted. Ask the study team before screening.
Who can join
Ages 6–70 · All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Study type
Interventional · Not applicable
Target enrollment
120
US sites recruiting
1
Study start
October 1, 2025
Record last updated
August 20, 2026

Status re-checked against ClinicalTrials.gov within the last 12 hours.

What the study is about

The purpose of the study protocol is to identify imaging biomarkers for brain tissue under high metabolic stress at risk for permanent injury. We will measure oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) in participants with and without perturbations in cerebral oxygen delivery over time to determine each parameter's role in clinical and radiologic neurologic outcomes. Measuring OEF can be done with specialized MRI sequences. Measuring CVR requires a vasoactive response, such as carbon dioxide. In order to deliver carbon dioxide evenly and as safely as possible, we will use RespirACT, an MRI-compatible device, to prevent over-breathing carbon dioxide and allow rapid steady-state physiology to minimize total scan time. We will also use a high density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT) cap to assess the measurement of OEF and CVR. This study will investigate both regional OEF and CVR simultaneously to understand each marker's unique developmental trajectory and contribution to stroke risk in children. This work will expand insights into mechanisms of stroke in children and assess the feasibility of the HD-DOT cap for obtaining these insights by comparing a cohort of optical CVR and a cohort of MRI CVR.

In addition to the MRI and/or HD-DOT cap with RespirAct, participants may also have their vitals measured, complete cognitive testing, and complete a blood draw with a study visit. Participants may be followed for up to three years and may complete both an MRI scan and an HD-DOT scan within 1 week-12 months of each other. Participants may be invited back to repeat MRI and/or HD-DOT scans 1-2 times over the next three years.

Being studied: Carbon Dioxide

Conditions: Sickle Cell Disease; Cerebral Stroke

Eligibility criteria

Copied from the official record. The study team makes the final decision at screening.

Show full criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • 6-70 Years Old
  • Able to participate in MRI scan without sedation
  • May or may not have HbSS or beta thalassemia null genotypes of sickle cell anemia

Exclusion Criteria

  • Significant craniofacial malformation or technical contraindications to DOT monitoring (for HDDOT imaging)
  • Metal in/on the body that is contraindicated for MRI safety (for MRI imaging)

Recruiting US locations

  • Washington University in St. Louis

    St Louis, MO 63110

    Site contact: Kristin Guilliams, MD · 3144546120 · kristinguilliams@wustl.edu

Study contacts (from the official record)

  • Kristin Guilliams, MD · 3144545436 · kristinguilliams@wustl.edu
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Cerebrovascular Reactivity Measurements With High-Density Diffuse… (NCT07776444) | Bored Studies