New scanner may spot more spinal fluid leaks in mystery headache patients
NCT ID NCT07582744
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two types of CT myelography scans to detect CSF-venous fistulas, abnormal connections that cause spinal fluid leaks, in 200 adults with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (low-pressure headaches). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a newer photon counting detector scan or a standard energy integrating detector scan. The goal is to see if the newer scanner finds more leaks, which could lead to better diagnosis and treatment.
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 the newer scanner finds more leaks, it could improve diagnosis and treatment for people with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
- What could go wrong
- This is a diagnostic study, not a treatment trial. The newer scanner may not prove significantly better, and results may not apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 200 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2026
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult patient, 2. Confirmed diagnosis of SIH using International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria (third edition), and 3. Brain MRI demonstrating at least one positive imaging finding for SIH (e.g., dural enhancement, venous sinus distention, brain sagging, pituitary engorgement, spontaneous subdural fluid collections). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Prior treatment of a CVF, 2. Inability to undergo both exams (EID-CTM and PCD-CTM) if needed for diagnosis, 3. Spine MRI demonstrating extradural CSF (confirming CSF leak type other than CVF), and 4. inability to provide informed consent.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Duke University Medical Center
RECRUITINGDurham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Blood patch showdown: could Platelet-Rich plasma beat whole blood for rare headache condition?
- Nerve block offers hope for debilitating headache sufferers
- Withdrawn study on plasma patches for rare headaches leaves questions unanswered
- New procedure aims to stop debilitating headaches from spinal fluid leaks