MRL in the Upper Extremity

Overview

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and applicability of the MRL protocol for the upper extremity in Maastricht University Medical Center, and to examine the differences of the lymphatic system between lymphedema patients and healthy volunteers. Study design: An explorative study of an MRL protocol for the upper extremity in Maastricht University Medical Center+. Study population: There are two study groups. The first group (n=10) consists of patients with secondary lymphedema in the upper extremity. The second group (n=10) consists of healthy volunteers. Intervention (if applicable): All participants will undergo an MRL examination with the same protocol, developed in a previous 'proof of principle' study, in the Maastricht University Medical Center+. After localizer scans, a T2-weighted sequence is used. Then a T1-weighted sequence will be made before the injection of contrast. After the injection of the contrast agent a T1-weighted sequences of the upper and lower arm are performed alternately. Main study parameters/endpoints: The primary outcome is to determine the feasibility and applicability of the MRL protocol by evaluating the images of the upper extremity in patients with secondary lymphedema and healthy subjects. The secondary outcome is to assess the value of MRL in staging lymphedema.

Full Title of Study: “Magnetic Resonance Lymphography in Upper Extremity Lymphedema and Healthy Subjects”

Study Type

  • Study Type: Interventional
  • Study Design
    • Allocation: Non-Randomized
    • Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
    • Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
    • Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
  • Study Primary Completion Date: December 31, 2022

Interventions

  • Diagnostic Test: Magnetic Resonance Lymphography
    • Magnetic Resonance Lymphography using Siemens 3T MRI unit and Gadobutrol as a contrast agent to visualize the lymphatic system

Arms, Groups and Cohorts

  • Other: Lymphedema patients
    • MRL examination in lymphedema patients
  • Other: Healthy volunteers
    • MRL examination in healthy volunteers

Clinical Trial Outcome Measures

Primary Measures

  • feasiblity of Magentic Resonance Lymphography (MRL) of the arm by evaluating the MRL output images
    • Time Frame: 0.5 hours per participant
    • Describing lymphatic vessel characteristics in terms of size, diameter and course, and lymphedema symptoms such as dermal backflow or obstruction

Secondary Measures

  • lymphedema staging by evaluating the MRL output images
    • Time Frame: 0.5 hours per participant
    • Describing lymphedema stage, based on lymphatic vessel charasteristics and lymphedema symptoms as found at primary outcome. This is compared with ISL (clinical) lymphedema stage and ICG lymphography stage.

Participating in This Clinical Trial

Inclusion Criteria

  • 18 years or older – informed consent – BMI < 30 kg/m2 Group A: – Secondary lymphedema in the upper extremity Group B: – Healthy volunteers Exclusion Criteria:

  • Active skin infection/erysipelas in the arm. – Known allergy for a contrast agent – History of surgical intervention in the arm. – Contraindications for MRI with contrast; pregnancy, metals, prostheses, renal insufficiency, claustrophobia – Active cancer – Distant metastases

Gender Eligibility: All

Minimum Age: 18 Years

Maximum Age: 99 Years

Are Healthy Volunteers Accepted: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Investigator Details

  • Lead Sponsor
    • Maastricht University Medical Center
  • Provider of Information About this Clinical Study
    • Sponsor

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