pH-weighted MRI in Multiple Sclerosis: A Surrogate Marker of Tissue Metabolic Stress

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Twenty subjects (10 patients and 10 age-matched control volunteers) will be recruited for this study. MRI scans will take place on a 3T MRI Scanner (Skyra or Prisma, Siemens Medical Solutions) located at The NYU Center for Biomedical Imaging. MRI scans will consist of a 1-hour brain scan for both patients and controls. In the first 6 months of the study, investigators will develop and test a uMT-based APT imaging for brain tissue pH measurement and use a hypercapnia paradigm to validate the tissue pH changes between breathing room air and 5% CO2 (by increasing tissue acidity) inhalation. With implementation of hypercapnia MRI, pH-weighted imaging will be validated for its robustness and reproducibility.

Detailed Description
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The contrast agent (Gd-DTPA, Gadavist) will be injected intravenously (IV) in the arm (patients only). The IV will be inserted by qualified medical professional at CBI. This contrast agent will be standard dose in accordance with its FDA approved labeling and dosing. Controls will NOT be administered the contrast agent.

Official Title
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pH-weighted MRI in Multiple Sclerosis: A Surrogate Marker of Tissue Metabolic Stress

Conditions
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Multiple Sclerosis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: MRI Scan


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy male or female non-MS control volunteers Exclusion Criteria: Medically unstable or with cardiac, pulmonary, hematological, renal, or hepatic dysfunction. Current or past DSM-IV diagnosis of major depression, bipolar and psychotic disorders. Contraindications for MRI, including Intracranial clips Metal implants External metallic devices/objects/clips within 10mm of the head Suspected or confirmed metal in the eyes (history of welding or similar activity) Claustrophobia Cardiac pacemaker or pacing wires Pregnancy - Pregnancy tests will be offered to women of childbearing age at no cost to the subject History of moderate to severe head injury, stroke, and seizures. Alcoholism or drug dependency. Renal or liver disease as this may cause concerns related to Gd-DTPA contrast agent. Allergy to the contrast agent Gadolinium Relapses or steroid therapy in patient at or in the month preceding the study Patients only

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Multiple Sclerosis<br> | Other: MRI Scan<br>* MRI scans will consist of a 1-hour brain scan for both patients and controls.<br>|
| Healthy Volunteer<br>10 age-matched control volunteers | Other: MRI Scan<br>* MRI scans will consist of a 1-hour brain scan for both patients and controls.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| pH measurements | The pH will be estimated based on the calibration methods of quantification of exchange as a function of saturation time (QUEST)32 and its ratiometric analysis (QUESTRA) 33. | 20 Minutes |