Brain MRI may predict who benefits from hydrocephalus surgery

NCT ID NCT06857136

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed observational study looked at 29 people with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition where fluid builds up in the brain. Researchers used a special MRI technique called DTI-ALPS to measure the function of the brain's waste-clearing 'glymphatic system.' They compared these scans to those of healthy volunteers and checked whether the MRI results could predict who would improve after a spinal tap or shunt surgery. The goal is to find a non-invasive way to guide treatment decisions.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a non-invasive MRI method to better diagnose NPH and predict which patients will benefit from surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed observational study with only 29 participants. The findings are preliminary and need confirmation in larger trials before changing clinical practice.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hydrocephalus normal pressure hydrocephalus

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HYDROCEPHALUS NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta

Milan, 20133, Italy

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