Studies brain scan markers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and primary lateral sclerosis
Uses MRI brain scans to look for markers of ALS and PLS in people.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Imaging Biomarkers in ALS
Key facts
- Where
- Minneapolis, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 21 and 75 years old?
Source: NCT02567136, who can take part
Where in United States
- University of MinnesotaMinneapolis, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Minnesota
- Trial code
- NCT02567136
- Record updated
- 2 December 2025
- Original description
The purpose of the study is to determine if we are able to find one or more biomarkers of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at different levels, 3 tesla (3T) and 7 tesla (7T). A biomarker is a measurable characteristic that can be used as an indicator of a particular disease state. Identifying biomarkers of a disease can lead to a better understanding of the disease as well as improved treatments. This study will enroll patients with ALS, PLS, and healthy controls.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Longitudinal Study of Imaging Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
The purpose of the study is to determine if we are able to find one or more biomarkers of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at different levels, 3 tesla (3T) and 7 tesla (7T). A biomarker is a measurable characteristic that can be used as an indicator of a particular disease state. Identifying biomarkers of a disease can lead to a better understanding of the disease as well as improved treatments. This study will enroll patients with ALS, PLS, and healthy controls.
Inclusion: 21 to 75 years of age inclusive; Willing and able to give signed informed consent that has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB); ALS patients:; A clinical diagnosis of possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable, or definite ALS, according to a modified El Escorial criteria.
Exclusion: Diagnosis of other neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, etc); Clinically significant history of unstable medical illness (unstable angina, advanced cancer, etc) over the last 30 days; The subject requires assistance to ambulate OR climb stairs, unless in the opinion of the investigator, and based upon the subject's rate of disease progression, the subject is likely to be able to participate in the MRI screening 12 months after enrollment; Inability to undergo MRI scanning, including but not limited to unable to remain still in an MRI scanner for more than 30 minutes, claustrophobia, presence of paramagnetic substances or pacemakers in body, weight over 300 lbs, or in the opinion of the investigator, if there is a strong likelihood that the subject would not be able to lie flat comfortably for 75-90 minutes.