Brain Imaging in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease and Functional Impairment.
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2007-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent complication of chronic liver disease (cirrhosis)
and involves a wide spectrum of problems from mild impairment of reaction times in driving
and operating machinery through to disturbances in mood, behaviour and conscious levels.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of obtaining pictures of the inside of the body.
Patients with liver disease have previously been studied with MRI which has highlighted
changes in the brain. This research aims to highlight some of the differences in the way that
the brain functions in patients with liver disease. Using our new, more powerful MRI scanner,
with more sophisticated techniques we hope that the novel combination of MRI techniques can
objectively detect the presence of , and monitor HE.
Study hypothesis: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a reversible, metabolic disturbance of the
brain, associated with low grade brain swelling and disturbances of the chemical balance
within the brain, resulting in functional impairment, the presence of which MR imaging can
detect with sufficient sensitivity to monitor the changes that may occur over time in
response to treatment.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Imperial College London
Collaborators:
Paddington Charitable Estates Educational Fund Royal College of Physicians The Paddington Charitable Trust, St Marys, London (2 year fellowship) University of London