Clinical Trial: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Autonomic Failure

Study Status: Terminated
Recruit Status: Terminated
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Primary Autonomic Failure

Brief Summary: This research study will be conducted in patients with primary autonomic failure, a disabling condition that is associated with low blood pressure upon standing. These patients are also not able to control for changes in their blood pressure due to a loss of cardiovascular reflexes that are mediated within the brain. The purpose of this study is to determine whether magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), a non-invasive imaging technique, can measure levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the dorsal medulla, a brain area important for control of cardiovascular function, in autonomic failure patients. Importantly, this study will determine whether there are differences in brain chemicals between patients with peripheral versus central origins of their autonomic failure. The hypothesis is that the neurotransmitter profile in the medulla will be intact in patients with peripheral autonomic failure compared to those with central impairment. Overall, this study will provide insight into understanding the mechanisms involved in autonomic failure and will determine whether a single session of MRS imaging can improve the ability to make an accurate diagnosis in these patients. This would lessen the need for more extensive and invasive clinical testing.

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Vanderbilt University

Current Primary Outcome: N-Acetylaspartate Levels [ Time Frame: 0.5-1.5 hours ]

Differences in levels of N-acetylaspartate in the dorsal medulla of pure autonomic failure versus multiple system atrophy patients using single session imaging.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Myoinositol Levels [ Time Frame: 0.5-1.5 hours ]
    Differences in levels of myoinositol in the dorsal medulla pure autonomic failure versus multiple system atrophy patients.
  • GABA Levels [ Time Frame: 0.5-1.5 hours ]
    Differences in levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in the dorsal medulla of pure autonomic failure versus multiple system atrophy patients.
  • Creatinine Levels [ Time Frame: 0.5-1.5 Hours ]
    Differences in levels of creatinine-containing compounds in the dorsal medulla of pure autonomic failure versus multiple system atrophy patients.
  • Choline Levels [ Time Frame: 0.5-1.5 Hours ]
    Differences in levels of choline-containing compounds in the dorsal medulla of pure autonomic failure versus multiple system atrophy patients.
  • Glutamate Levels [ Time Frame: 0.5-1.5 Hours ]
    Differences in levels of glutamate in the dorsal medulla of pure autonomic failure versus multiple system atrophy patients.


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Dates:
Date Received: May 17, 2012
Date Started: July 2012
Date Completion:
Last Updated: January 16, 2017
Last Verified: January 2017