Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Venous Drainage of the Craniocervical Junction: a Retrospective Anatomical Study (SVCR MR1)

This study looks at how blood drains from the lower part of your head and upper neck by using special MRI scans. Doctors want to see if these scans can clearly show different groups of blood vessels that help blood flow away from this area. They believe these vessels are important, but they can be hard to see properly on scans. The main goals are to better understand how these blood vessels work and to see if people can be grouped based on their particular blood vessel patterns. The results could lead to better ways of spotting problems with blood vessels in the neck and guiding more precise treatments.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Brest

Enrolment target

160

Start

01 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

31 May 2025

Study of Venous Drainage of the Cranio-Cervical Junction Using MRI

What is this study about?

Imagine the blood vessels in your head and neck are like a complex road network, carrying blood away. This study focuses on a specific part of this network, where your head joins your neck. Doctors are using a special type of scan called an MRI, which is like a very detailed photograph of the inside of your body, to look at these blood vessels.

The main idea is to see if these MRI scans can clearly show different groups of blood vessels involved in draining blood from this area. Currently, it's quite tricky to pick out these individual groups of vessels on scans. By getting a clearer view, the researchers hope to understand much better how blood flows and drains from the head and neck. They also want to see if different people have different patterns in these blood vessel networks.

Ultimately, the findings from this study could be very important. A better understanding of these blood vessels could help doctors diagnose problems in the head and neck more accurately. It might also help them design more focused and effective treatments for conditions that affect blood flow in this vital area.

Key takeaways

This study uses existing MRI scans to learn about blood flow in the head and neck.
It aims to better understand how different blood vessel networks work.
No new tests or procedures are involved for participants.
Findings could help improve future diagnosis and treatment of neck and head problems.
Your personal details will be kept private and anonymised.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be over 18 years old and have had a specific type of MRI scan of your head and neck area at Brest University Hospital between January 1, 2019, and November 1, 2024. This MRI scan would have used a special dye (contrast agent) and a technique called T1 Angio-MRI with gradient echo.

However, there are some reasons why you couldn't be included. If you are under legal protection, have said you don't want to take part, or have ever had certain blood vessel problems like blockages, abnormal connections, or surgery in the back of your head or upper neck, you can't join. Also, if you've had radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or any other treatments known to harm blood vessels, you wouldn't be eligible.

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 over 18 years old?
Did you have an MRI of your head/neck at Brest University Hospital between Jan 2019 and Nov 2024?
Did that MRI use a special dye (contrast agent)?
Have you *not* had certain issues like blood vessel problems or surgery in the back of your head/neck?
Have you *not* had certain treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is a "retrospective study," which means researchers are looking back at information that has already been collected. You wouldn't need to do anything extra. There are no new visits, assessments, medications, or follow-up appointments required. The study simply involves looking at existing MRI scans and medical records from people who meet the study criteria.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only involves looking at existing MRI scan images and medical records, there are no direct risks to you if your data is used. You won't be undergoing any new procedures or treatments. The potential benefit is that the findings could improve our general understanding of blood flow in the head and neck, potentially leading to better diagnosis and treatment for future patients. You always have the right to object to your information being used in such a study, even if it's anonymised.

Locations (1)

Chu Brest
Verified postcode
Brest, France

Common questions

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and structures inside your body.

What does 'craniocervical junction' mean?

This is the area where your skull (cranium) meets your neck (cervical spine). It's a complex and important part of your body.

Will I have to do anything if my information is used?

No, you don't need to do anything. This study only looks at existing medical records and scans that have already been taken.

Will my name be used in the study?

No, your information will be anonymised, meaning your name and other identifying details will be removed to protect your privacy.

How can this study help people?

By better understanding blood flow in the head and neck, doctors hope to improve how they diagnose problems and develop more effective treatments in the future.