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Hippocampal Volume and Memory Functions in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Recruiting
Conditions
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Aneurysmal
Neurologic Disorder
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: Neuropsychological assessment and structural MRI
Registration Number
NCT04449666
Lead Sponsor
BDH-Klinik Hessisch Oldendorf
Brief Summary

Neuropsychological and functional long-term consequences of subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH) represent a great challenge, since sometimes considerable cognitive deficits occur without evidence of substantial brain damage. In this study, we want to examine if the frequently observed memory deficits are associated with hippocampal atrophy.

Detailed Description

Long-term or even permanent neuropsychological impairments are frequently observed after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (aSAH). Among the most common impairments after aSAH are memory deficits. Volumetric MRI studies suggest an association of memory dysfunctions with temporal atrophy, especially of the hippocampus. In a previous study, 77 patients with good or moderate clinical outcome after aSAH were examined one year after discharge (Bendel et al., 2006). Temporomesial atrophy was detected without direct brain damage, e.g. by secondary ischemia. Due to the effects of complex cognitive impairments on the quality of life and participation in social and professional life, this relationship will be examined in more detail in the planned study. Specifically, we will investigate to what extent the frequently observed discrepancy between severe memory impairment and normal structural imaging results (no focal lesions in temporomesial areas) is due to hippocampal atrophy. In contrast to Bender and colleagues, this question will be investigated in the acute phase of the disease, immediately after admission to inpatient neurological rehabilitation.

Over a period of 24 months, 29 neurological rehabilitation patients with aSAH (Hunt \& Hess grade I and II) are going to be included. Within the first week (day 1 to 7) after study enrollment, a native MRI examination (without contrast agent) is performed, in which a high-resolution 3D-MPRAGE sequence (T1 weighting) is measured in the sagittal plane. After checking the data quality of the 3D-MPRAGE sequence, especially with regard to its suitability for hippocampal volume determination, a comprehensive neuropsychological examination is performed, in which specific memory and attentional functions are tested.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
30
Inclusion Criteria
  • neurological rehabilitation patients in phase B - D
  • at minimum eight weeks after disease onset
  • aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (Hunt & Hess grade I or II)
  • written consent from the patient's legal representative
  • exclusion of pregnancy
Exclusion Criteria
  • insufficient cardiorespiratory stability
  • previous brain damage
  • mental disorders (dementia, depression)
  • colonization with multi-resistant pathogens
  • MRI contraindications
  • claustrophobia
  • weight > 120 kg

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Experimental groupNeuropsychological assessment and structural MRIPatients undergoing neurological rehabilitation after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Control groupNeuropsychological assessment and structural MRIHealthy adults controlled for age, gender and educational status
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changed hippocampal volume in aSAB2 weeks

Hypothesis: patients have smaller hippocampal volume than healthy control subjects. For the hippocampal volume a structural MRI scan (3D-MPRAGE) is obtained

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Influence of the lesion site on the hippocampal volume2 weeks

Hypothesis: there are no differences between ispi- and contralateral hippocampal volumes

Changed intracranial volume in aSAB2 weeks

Hypothesis: patients have smaller intracranial volume than healthy control subjects.

Changed memory function in aSAB2 weeks

Hypothesis: patients have lower scores in the Visual and Verbal memory test (VVM) than healthy control subjects.

Influence of the type of therapy on the hippocampal volume2 weeks

Hypothesis: hippocampal volumes differ between aSAH patients with surgical or endovascular treatment.

Interrater reliability2 weeks

Hypothesis: It is expected that there will be no difference in the ratings of hippocampal volume between two independent raters.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

BDH-Clinic Hessisch Oldendorf

🇩🇪

Hessisch Oldendorf, Germany

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