2 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
Brain Cavernous Angiomas with Symptomatic Hemorrhage (CASH) are rare, but they exact a heavy burden of neurologic disability from recurrent bleeding, for which there is no proven therapy. This trial readiness project aims to address current critical obstacles in identifying cases at multiple sites, characterizing their relevant features, and measuring their outcome. The timing cannot be more opportune, with therapeutic targets already identified, exceptional collaboration among researchers and with the patient community, and several drugs ready to benefit from a track to clinical testing in the next five years.
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are clusters of abnormal blood vessels in the brain and spine. CCMs can bleed and cause strokes, seizures, and headaches. In some patients, CCMs affect the blood brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is the body's separation of blood and its contents in the brain from the brain tissue itself. Abnormal leakiness or permeability of this barrier can cause disease. We will measure the permeability (leakiness) of the BBB using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCEMRI). The purpose of this study is to look at whether statin medications change the permeability (leakiness) of the blood brain barrier in CCM patients. Statin medications are used to lower cholesterol levels and prevent heart attack and stroke. In addition, this medication may decrease the risk of brain hemorrhage or bleeding in patients with CCM. This study will examine whether the permeability of the BBB changes following the administration of simvastatin for three months.