Brain scans face off: can a quick CT match MRI's accuracy in stroke care?

NCT ID NCT07719374

Not yet recruiting Diagnosis Sponsor: Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial compares two imaging strategies—CT with CT angiography versus MRI with MR angiography—as the first test for people with suspected severe ischemic stroke. The goal is to see which approach is more cost-effective while still leading to good patient outcomes. Six hundred adults with stroke symptoms and a high NIHSS score will be randomly assigned to one of the two imaging paths. The study will measure costs, quality of life, treatment speed, and clinical results over 12 months.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: MRI and MR angiography (MRA) or CT and CT angiography (CTA) as first-line diagnostic imaging
What this could lead to: If CT proves as effective and more cost-efficient than MRI, it could speed up stroke diagnosis and treatment in hospitals with limited MRI access.
What could go wrong: CT may miss early ischemic changes that MRI detects, potentially affecting treatment decisions. The trial's results depend on real-world hospital workflows and patient selection.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

ischemic stroke stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

STROKE

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.