New MRI method could replace scalpel for diagnosing head artery disease

NCT ID NCT05865054

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study is testing whether a special MRI scan can detect inflammation in the arteries that supply blood to the head, brain, and eyes in people with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA). Researchers will enroll 400 adults aged 50 and older who have new or worsening symptoms and plan to undergo a biopsy or ultrasound for diagnosis. The goal is to see if MRI can accurately identify artery inflammation, potentially offering a less invasive way to diagnose this condition.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast
What this could lead to: If successful, MRI could become a reliable, non-invasive way to diagnose giant cell arteritis, reducing the need for surgical biopsies.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. MRI may not be accurate enough to replace current diagnostic methods, and results may vary across patients.

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.

Giant Cell Arteritis temporal arteritis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

GIANT CELL ARTERITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

3400 Civic Center Blvd
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Mayo Building and Gonda Building
RECRUITING

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Hamilton, Ontario, L8G 5E4, Canada
University Hospital Wuerzburg
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany

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