Massive MRI study aims to unlock secrets of MS progression
NCT ID NCT00001248
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Sep 17, 2026 · Updated 18 times
Summary
This long-term observational study uses MRI scans to track how multiple sclerosis (MS) changes over time in up to 3750 people. Researchers will compare brain images and immune system markers in untreated patients, those on approved therapies, and healthy volunteers. The goal is to better understand disease activity and how treatments affect it.
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 study could help doctors better understand how MS progresses and how treatments work, potentially leading to improved monitoring and care.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial, so it won't directly test a new therapy. Results may take years and might not lead to immediate changes in patient care.
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.
- Participants
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About 3,750 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 1992
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
-MS/CIS/RIS population-Patients with a diagnosis of MS or who have typical imaging abnormalities associated with MS.-Non-MS comparison populations-Patients with disorders of the CNS, to include patients with diseases that share mechanisms of tissue damage with MS, such as mitochondrial disorders, leukodystrophies, neurodegenerative diseases that may cause axonal loss or oxidative stress, and chronic small vessel disease.-Healthy volunteers-Healthy volunteers for technique development and comparison with the patient populations.
- Ages
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18 to 120 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: 1. One of the following: 1. Affected participant with either a diagnosis of MS based on currently accepted diagnostic criteria, or imaging or clinical abnormalities associated with MS. 2. Healthy volunteer. 2. Age \>=18 3. Able to give informed consent. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1. Contraindication to MRI at the time of initial enrollment (with the exception of pregnancy). 2. Unwilling to allow coded samples to be processed offsite or unwilling to have coded samples used in other studies.
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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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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITINGBethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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