Multicenter Longitudinal Imaging in ALS for Disease Biomarker Development
University of Minnesota
Summary
This is a multi-site study of ALS participants and healthy controls who will undergo brain and cervical spine MRIs and NfL blood testing at up-to 4 time points over the course of a year. The primary goal is to identify objective biomarkers of disease progression that are biologically relevant, linearly progressive, and sensitive to change.
Description
Recent developments in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), biophysical modeling, and computing have improved the sensitivity of imaging metrics to detect disease-related changes in the central nervous system in neurological disorders. This improved sensitivity has paved the way for utilizing these metrics as potential biomarkers of disease, in particular, to measure disease progression over short durations. The investigators hypothesize that the multimodal analysis of MRI biomarkers (microstructure and morphology) from the brain and spine will improve sensitivity to detect disease-related chang…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
For participants with ALS: * \< 36 months since onset of symptoms * Definite, probable, lab supported-probable or possible ALS by El Escorial criteria OR definite, probable or possible ALS per Awaji-Shima Criteria * Forced vital capacity within the last 90 days ≥ 60% of the predicted value * Able to consent for themselves * Able to read and speak English * Clear of any contraindications for MRI Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals will be excluded if they have any condition that makes MRI unsafe or if they are unable to comply with instructions. * All participants will undergo a neurologic exa…
Interventions
- Diagnostic TestMagnetic Resonance Imaging
Participants will undergo 3T MRI scanning of the brain and cervical spine MRIs
- Diagnostic TestPlasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) quantification
Participants will undergo a blood draw for the quantification of plasma neurofilament light chain
Locations (3)
- University of FloridaGainesville, Florida
- Northwestern UniversityEvanston, Illinois
- University of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota