Brain imaging may reveal who benefits most from carotid surgery

NCT ID NCT03068442

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at 45 people having carotid artery surgery to see if special brain scans can predict improvements in thinking and memory. Researchers will use PET/CT scans to measure inflammation in the brain and MRI to examine plaque in the carotid artery. The goal is to find imaging features that link inflamed plaque to brain inflammation and cognitive benefit after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

flutemetamol F 18 PET/CT imaging

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors identify which patients are most likely to experience cognitive improvement after carotid surgery, leading to better surgical decisions.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study focused on imaging markers, not a treatment. The findings may not apply to all patients or lead to direct clinical changes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

carotid stenosis Cognitive Dysfunction Inflammation inflammatory disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84148, United States

  • University of Utah

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States