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Comparison of Abnormal Cortical Development in Brain Malformations on Postmortem Imaging With Autopsy

NCT00686530 · Status: WITHDRAWN · Type: OBSERVATIONAL

Last updated 2013-12-03

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Examination of the fetal brain at autopsy is technically challenging because of marked fragility of the brain tissue. Studies have found postmortem fetal MR to be particularly useful in examining gross structural abnormalities in fetal brain and spine. We have recently included postmortem MR as part of the radiological studies for fetal autopsy workup. Using the same MR data, the development of normal layering of the brain, also called laminar organization, can also be assessed. This laminar organization of the brain is often disturbed in congenital malformations. Our aim is to study the disturbance in laminar organization of the postmortem brain with MR, using structural MR and a type of MR sequence called diffusion tensor imaging, which is well suited for assessing the organization of the developing brain. The postmortem MR findings will be compared with gold standard of histopathology. This will help us understand the abnormal development of gray and white matter in brain malformations. Knowledge gained from studying the abnormal laminar organization in brain malformations will serve as a reference for future studies of fetal brain malformations in-utero using MRI.

Conditions

  • Brain Malformation

Interventions

PROCEDURE

MR Imaging

Postmortem MR will be included as part of the autopsy examination in cases of suspected brain malformations. Imaging will be done using 1.5T GE CV/I MRI magnet. The specimen is scanned, following fixation, using an 8-channel head coil or 8-channel knee coil, depending on the size of the brain. Structural postmortem MR will include spin-echo T1, axial SPGR, and T2 imaging in three planes. Diffusion tensor imaging will be performed in the coronal plane.

PROCEDURE

Autopsy

Autopsy will be performed according to accepted standards, based on clinical indications. Macroscopic examination of the fetus will be performed initially , followed by organ removal for tissue fixation for a period of two weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • The Hospital for Sick Children

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Susan Blaser · The Hospital for Sick Children

Eligibility

Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2007-08-31
Primary Completion
2009-08-31
Completion
2010-02-28

Countries

  • Canada

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT00686530 on ClinicalTrials.gov