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

NCT00686530 | Withdrawn

• 1 other identifier: 1000011050
• Study Type: observational
• Target: N/A
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief 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

Keywords

Fetal Death; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Autopsy; Telencephalon; Pyramidal Tracts

Study Arms (1)

1

Procedure: MR Imaging; Procedure: Autopsy

Interventions

MR Imaging PROCEDURE

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.

1

Autopsy PROCEDURE

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.

1

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

40 fetal post mortem brains, with suspected diagnosis of brain malformation

You may qualify if:

• suspected antenatal diagnosis of brain malformation who will undergo autopsy and MRI to further assess the malformations
• above 18 weeks gestation

You may not qualify if:

• significant autolysis of tissue specimens prior to tissue fixation

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Hospital for Sick Children: lead

Study Sites (2)

Mount Sinai Hospital

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada

Location

The Hospital for Sick Children

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada

Location

Biospecimen

Retention: SAMPLES WITH DNA

Macroscopic examination of the fetus will be performed initially follwed by organ removal for tissue fixation for a period of two weeks.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fetal Death

Interventions

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Autopsy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pregnancy Complications; Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications; Urogenital Diseases; Death; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spectrum Analysis; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Investigative Techniques; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Diagnosis

Study Officials

• Susan Blaser

  The Hospital for Sick Children

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Neuro Radiologist

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 23, 2008
• First Posted: May 30, 2008
• Study Start: August 1, 2007
• Primary Completion: August 1, 2009
• Study Completion: February 1, 2010
• Last Updated: December 3, 2013

Record last verified: 2008-05

Locations

CA (2)