RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Longitudinal Quantitative Neuromuscular MRI in Neuropathic Patients

This study is looking at how a special type of MRI scan, called quantitative neuromuscular MRI (qMRI), can help us understand and track certain nerve conditions. These conditions, like Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloid Neuropathy, and Acquired Demyelinating Neuropathy, can cause muscle tissue to be replaced by fat over time. Standard methods sometimes don't show changes quickly enough. qMRI can measure these fat changes, providing a clearer picture of how the disease is affecting muscles and whether potential treatments are having an effect. The goal is to improve how we monitor these conditions and assess new therapies, ultimately helping patients more effectively.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Marseille

Enrolment target

120

Start

23 May 2025

Estimated completion

01 May 2028

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Type 1A Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloid Neuropathy Acquired Demyelinating Neuropathy

What is this study about?

This study is about understanding nerve conditions better. When people have conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth, hereditary amyloid neuropathy, or acquired demyelinating neuropathy, their muscles can slowly change. Healthy muscle tissue can be replaced by fat. Doctors call this 'fatty replacement' or 'intramuscular fat fraction'. Usually, to check on these conditions, doctors use physical exams and tests that measure how well nerves are working.

However, these standard tests can sometimes be slow to show changes or tell if a new treatment is really helping. That's where a special kind of MRI scan, called quantitative neuromuscular MRI (qMRI), comes in. An MRI is a safe way to take detailed pictures inside your body without using X-rays. This qMRI can not only show these fat changes in the muscles but also measure them very precisely. It's like having a very accurate ruler to see how much fat has replaced muscle. This detailed measurement could help doctors see changes sooner and understand if new medicines are truly effective, which is really important for future treatments.

The researchers are particularly interested in seeing if qMRI can give clear and early signs of how these conditions are developing. They previously found that for Charcot-Marie-Tooth, this MRI could detect very small changes in muscle fat over just one year. This study aims to check if these findings are also true for other similar nerve conditions. If it works, this non-invasive scan could become a valuable tool alongside existing tests, providing clearer, earlier insights into these conditions and helping patients get the best possible care.

Key takeaways

Uses special MRI scans to study nerve conditions.
Aims to track muscle changes (fat replacement).
Hopes to improve monitoring of disease progression and treatment effects.
No new treatments are given in this study.
Participation involves MRI scans and possibly ultrasound.
Could help future patients by advancing research.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a man or woman between 18 and 80 years old and be able to give your full agreement to take part. You must have one of these specific diagnosed nerve conditions: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) that's confirmed by genetic tests, an acquired demyelinating neuropathy like typical CIDP or anti-MAG, or hereditary transthyretin amyloid neuropathy (TTRn) confirmed by a genetic change. You also need to be covered by a social security system.

There are several reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have other nerve problems not related to the study, or if you have issues with alcohol or drug abuse. You also can't take part if you have things that stop you from having an MRI, such as claustrophobia, a pacemaker, or certain metal implants or clips in your body. If you have a severe disability that makes it impossible to have an MRI, or if you're currently involved in another research study that prevents you from joining this one, you also wouldn't be eligible.

Finally, the study cannot include pregnant or breastfeeding women, people under guardianship or in detention, minors, or anyone who can't read and understand French well enough to fully agree to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloid Neuropathy, or Acquired Demyelinating Neuropathy?
Do you have any metal implants or devices in your body (like a pacemaker) that would prevent an MRI?
Are you comfortable with having an MRI scan (e.g., no severe claustrophobia)?
Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you able to provide your full consent to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This part of the study (Phase NA) is an observational study, meaning you won't be given any new medications or treatments. Your involvement will primarily revolve around having special MRI scans and possibly neuromuscular ultrasounds. These are imaging tests that allow doctors to look at your muscles and nerves. The study aims to look at how these measurements change over time, so you would likely have these scans repeated. The total duration of your participation would involve these repeated visits for scans. The study helps researchers understand the conditions better, but does not involve receiving a new medication.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you personally, as it aims to gather information rather than provide a new treatment. However, the information learned could help future patients with similar conditions by improving how doctors monitor and understand these diseases, and how they test new treatments. The main risks involve the MRI scans themselves, such as remaining still for a period, and potential discomfort if you experience claustrophobia. There are no known risks from the imaging techniques used. Remember, you can decide to stop participating in the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Assistance - Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille
Verified postcode
Marseille, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI and is it safe?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures inside your body. It does not use X-rays or radiation, so it's generally considered very safe.

What does 'fatty replacement of muscle tissue' mean?

It means that over time, in some nerve conditions, healthy muscle gets replaced by fat. This study uses MRI to measure how much fat is in the muscle.

Will I get any treatment as part of this study?

No, this study is 'observational', which means it's about gathering information and understanding your condition. You won't receive new treatments or medications from this study specific to your condition.

How long will I need to be in the study if I join?

The study aims to observe changes over time, so you will likely have repeated visits for MRI scans. The exact duration will be explained by the study team.

What is a neuromuscular ultrasound?

It's a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of your nerves and muscles, helping doctors to see their structure and identify any changes.

How to find out more

Etienne FORTANIER, MD

etienne.fortanier@ap-hm.fr 04 91 38 65 79 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.