Treatment Trials

36 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions

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RECRUITING
Comparison of 89Zr Panitumumab and (18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose to Identify Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Description

This pilot clinical study will investigate if Zirconium-89 (89Zr) panitumumab- Positron Emission Tomography/ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) imaging can more accurately determine size and location of primary tumors compared to standard of care Fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) -PET/MRI in newly diagnosed patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who are undergoing surgical resection. This study is for imaging purposes only and is not a treatment study. The results of this study will not change the clinical treatment plan.

TERMINATED
Feasibility and Accuracy of Hybrid Magnetic Resonance and Positron Emission Tomography With 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose in Diagnosing Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Description

The purpose and objectives of the study is to establish the feasibility of the simultaneous PET/MR in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis, determine relationships between various imaging biomarkers like extracellular volume (ECV) and standardized uptake values (SUV) from FDG-PET and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the simultaneous method in comparison to the PET/CT and cardiac MRI.

COMPLETED
Biodistribution of [11C]Acetoacetate/[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose in Subjects With Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease
Description

This is a single center imaging study that will recruit 60 participants who are enrolled in the Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers and Symptoms: Brain Energy for Amyloid Transformation in AD (BEAT-AD) Study protocol. This cohort of patients will receive a maximum of 3 \[11C\]Acetoacetate (AcAc)/\[18F\]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scans over 18 weeks as part of this supplemental trial.

TERMINATED
Serial [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG )PET/CT as a Biomarker of Therapeutic Response in Anti-PD1/PDL1 Therapy
Description

Evaluation of FDG PET/CT to image immunotherapy response in adult thoracic cancer. Compare pre- and post-treatment primary tumor uptake for FDG-PET/CT and correlate with clinical markers of response. PET/CT tumor metabolic response will also be correlated will to progression-free survival and overall survival.

SUSPENDED
A Pilot Study Treatment of Malignant Tumors Using [18F] Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)
Description

The objectives of this Pilot study are to investigate the toxicity and safety of high doses of \[18F\]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) used as a therapeutic agent in patients with advanced stage IV malignant tumors that failed standard of care treatment, have a good performance status and bear radiosensitive tumors with a high \[18F\]-FDG uptake. The investigators hypothesize that \[18F\]FDG may have a significant tumoricidal effect on cancer cells and radionuclide therapy of cancers with high doses of \[18F\]FDG administered as a single dose or in multiple doses (dose fractionation regimen) can be safe and well tolerated with minimal toxicities. Advantages of FDG are its uptake in many different human tumors, its short half-life (110 minutes) and the possibility to monitor its effect closely with the FDG-PET scan. The rationale for using high doses of this radiopharmaceutical agent for treatement is that most malignant lesions have accentuated glucose metabolism, which is mirrored by increased uptake of FDG. Since FDG cannot be metabolized within the cell like glucose, it is effectively confined within the cancer cells; thus, FDG treatment is potentially a novel form of targeted therapy for tumors with increased FDG uptake.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Distribution of Rubidium-82, Nitrogen-13 Ammonia, and Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose in Normal Volunteers
Description

Establish the normal distributions of Rb-82, N-13 ammonia, and F-18 FDG (radioactive tracers) in the heart using PET imaging. These tracers would be eventually used in evaluating the hearts of patients with heart disease. Normal healthy volunteers will be carefully screened for this study. Subjects will be given IV administration of Rb-82 and N-13 to acquire rest/stress imaging. Normal subjects not excluded by any unexpected abnormality during the Rb-82 or N-13 rest/stress studies will undergo a glucose loading F-18 FDG imaging protocol, viability protocol using the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp with simultaneous IV infusions of dextrose and insulin according to standard procedures in our laboratory. These same subjects will have a F-18 FDG protocol after following a high fat, protein permitted, no carbohydrate diet for approximately 30 hours prior to F-18 FDG injection. The F-18 FDG radiotracer will be given through an IV.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in Cancer Associated Venothromboembolism
Description

Venothromboembolic disease (VTE), which includes deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a severe health problem, effecting 1.5/1000 per year in the general population. In patients over 60 years of age, the incidence is 1/100 per year. Of the two million Americans per year who will develop VTE, one third will develop pulmonary embolism (PE). VTE is usually diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound or contrast venography when present in the extremities, VQ scan or pulmonary angiography when PE is present. However, there are many instances when the diagnosis of VTE by conventional modalities is limited. These include obesity, recent trauma or surgery, the presence of a mass, the presence of clot around central lines, and clot occurring in the abdomen and pelvis. Furthermore, the differentiation between new and old clot has evaded all diagnostic imaging modalities, and no existing modality allows for an accurate delineation of all sites of thrombus within the body. New approaches to the diagnostic imaging of VTE in complicated cases are needed. The first hypothesis of this project is that FDG PET/CT can be used to accurately diagnose the presence and extent of acute VTE, and that it will distinguish new clot from old. Approximately 20-25% of all new cases of venous thromboembolism occur in known cancer patients. The risk of VTE is 4-6 fold greater in patients with cancer as those without (8-12% vs. 2%, respectively, lifetime risk). In many cases, the development of VTE occurs as the first clinical sign of the cancer, even before it is diagnosed. Among patients presenting with acute VTE have no obvious cause (defined as "idiopathic" or "unprovoked", as opposed to "secondary" VTE), the literature reports that up to 20% (range of reported incidence 7-20%) may ultimately prove to have cancer, depending on the series and whether the thrombosis is unifocal or multifocal. Despite the substantial prevalence of occult cancer in patients presenting with idiopathic VTE, there are no current recommendations that these patients be screened for the presence of cancer. The second hypothesis of the project is that FDG PET/CT can accurately be used to screen for the presence of cancer in patients with unprovoked (idiopathic) acute VTE. Objectives: There are two specific objectives to test the hypotheses associated with this project: 1. To establish the sensitivity of FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of acute VTE. 2. To perform a pilot project to aid in the design of a larger trial to define the incidence of occult cancer in patients rigorously selected for idiopathic (unprovoked) VTE, and to investigate the value of FDG PET in the early detection of occult cancer in this population.

COMPLETED
Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG PET) Findings in Patients With Phenylketonuria Before and After KUVAN Therapy
Description

The aim of this pilot study is to determine if there are any changes in brain glucose metabolism in the gray matter of patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU) and whether administration of Sapropterin (KUVAN) therapy can improve such deficits.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Determine Tumor Response Using Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) Before and After Cetuximab in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Description

The purpose of this study is to collect data and evaluate how the tumor is broken down in response to standard of care cetuximab treatment by evaluating the FDG-PET/CT scans, toxicity, see how well the FDG-PET/CT scans predict response to treatment and survival.

COMPLETED
Pilot Study to Evaluate 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography /Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in Prediction of Early Response to Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer.
Description

We hypothesize that 18FDG Positron Emission Tomography (FDG PET) imaging, carried out after the first cycle of chemotherapy, will identify responders, thus permitting early termination of potential toxic therapy in non- responders leading to a significant decrease in morbidity and cost. The value of PET imaging as an early predictor of response to chemotherapy has been shown in other cancers.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Exploratory Study Evaluating Fluorodeoxyglucose - Position Emission Tomography as a Predictive Marker for Therapy With RAD001 in Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer
Description

The purpose of this study is to learn if PET scanning can predict the degree of tumor shrinkage with the study drug RAD001 in subjects who have advanced renal cancer.

COMPLETED
Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) to Evaluate Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) and ALPS-associated Lymphoma
Description

This study will evaluate the usefulness of FDG-PET scanning in distinguishing autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) from lymphoma. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph system. ALPS is a condition involving persistent enlargement of the lymph glands, spleen, or liver, and a range of other problems relating to blood cell counts and abnormal immune activity, in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues. People with ALPS particularly those with an abnormal Fas gene also have an increased risk of developing lymphoma. The Fas gene codes for a protein that causes immune cells called lymphocytes to die when they are no longer needed. FDG-PET is a new nuclear imaging test that is very effective in detecting lymphoma. It is important to identify these cancers as quickly as possible, since some are very curable when caught early. Since ALPS and lymphoma share several common characteristics, a reliable, non-invasive method of distinguishing the two, such as FDG-PET might offer, is crucial. FDG-PET uses a radioactive sugar molecule to produce images that show the metabolic activity of tissues. Because cancer cells grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells, they metabolize more sugar for fuel. This increased activity identifies them as cancer in FDG-PET scanning. For this procedure, the subject is injected with the sugar molecule and lies in a doughnut-shaped machine (PET camera) for the imaging. Adults and children 10 years old or older with ALPS, with or without lymphoma, may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a physical examination, blood tests, and computed tomography (CT) scan. Participants will have an FDG-PET scan and a DEXA scan. The DEXA scan measures fat and non-fat tissue and is used help interpret the FDG-PET results. For this test, the subject lies on a table while a fast X-ray is taken from head to toe. Patients who develop signs or symptoms suggesting the development or recurrence of lymphoma (such as further enlargement of lymph glands, unexplained fever or weight loss, or abnormal scans) may undergo a tissue biopsy. For this procedure, a small piece of lymph or other tissue is surgically removed for examination under the microscope. In addition, patients who develop these symptoms may be asked to undergo additional FDG-PET scans up to two a year in patients without lymphoma, and as many as needed in patients with lymphoma to evaluate their response to treatment and guide future therapy.

UNKNOWN
Quantification of Pulmonary Neutrophil Activity in Cystic Fibrosis Using Radiolabeled Fluorodeoxyglucose and PET Imaging
Description

It has been shown that neutrophils (a specific type of cell) are involved in inflammation in the lungs of CF patients. Neutrophil levels in CF patients have been measured by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), which samples cells in the fluid lining of the lungs. Other studies have measured neutrophil levels and inflammation in other parts of the body using PET scanning. This study aims to show that PET scanning can be used as a non-invasive marker of inflammation in the lungs of patients with CF, which would be a useful tool in treatment. The primary goal of this study is to draw a connection between the level of inflammation shown in the PET scan and the number of neutrophils obtained from the BAL. This study will also look at how the PET images relate to inflammatory molecules in the lungs and to the FEV-1 obtained through spirometry.

Conditions
ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Comparison of Imaging Characteristics of uEXPLORER and Conventional PET/CT in Patients With Lung Cancer, Lymphoma, and Melanoma
Description

To determine the minimum scan duration for fluorine-18 positron-emitting radioactive isotope-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scans performed on a total-body PET/CT scanner that results in non-inferior image quality to 18F-FDG PET/CT scans performed on a conventional PET/CT scanner. The subject population will be patients being staged for lung cancer, lymphoma, or melanoma.

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Pilot Study of the Physiological Effects of an Integrative Medicine Approach in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Description

Although underutilized, what is emerging as one of the best ways of evaluating inflammation in the body, particularly in difficult to observe regions, is through the use of Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). FDG is taken up in the body much like glucose and is particularly taken up in areas of inflammation where there is increased metabolism. Therefore, this technology can be used to assess inflammation, and measure the reduction in inflammation as the result of integrative interventions that target dietary modifications designed to reduce inflammation. With this proposed study, we plan to use FDG PET-MRI technology to develop a more specific and sensitive approach for evaluating areas of inflammation associated with IBS and measuring improvements in that inflammation in response to effective integrative interventions.

COMPLETED
Use of PET/MR Imaging in Chronic Pain
Description

The investigators are studying the ability of PET/MR imaging (using the PET tracer \[18F\]FDG) to objectively identify and characterize pain generators in patients suffering from chronic pain.

Conditions
COMPLETED
PET/CT Imaging Companion Study To ACTG A5314
Description

HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), likely due to chronically increased inflammation. Low-dose methotrexate (LDMTX) may reduce CVD risk in people with rheumatoid arthritis, who like those with HIV, have increased levels of inflammation. The NHLBI is funding a clinical trial targeting the excess inflammation in HIV. That "Parent Study" is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT01949116) that will assess whether 24-week treatment with LDMTX: i) is safe, ii) reduces circulating inflammatory biomarkers and levels of immune cell activation and iii) improves brachial artery reactivity. However, neither the biomarkers nor endothelial function tests measured as part of the parent study will report on atherosclerotic inflammation, (the desired pathobiological target of LDMTX therapy in HIV). As such, the direct evaluation of arterial inflammation would substantially enhance the scientific value of the trial. In this imaging sub-study, the overall goal is to determine if treating virologically suppressed, HIV-infected individuals with LDMTX will reduce inflammation within the arterial wall. This fully integrated ancillary study would, in a subset of patients enrolled in the parent trial: (i) assess the impact of LDMTX on arterial inflammation, (ii) evaluate mechanisms responsible for arterial inflammation in HIV and iii) explore mechanisms responsible for actions of LDMTX on the artery wall. Accordingly, the proposed study would provide unique and highly complementary information that would greatly increase the knowledge and mechanistic insights gained from Parent Study. The ancillary study has two specific aims1) To determine the impact of anti-inflammatory treatment with LDMTX on arterial inflammation, as assessed by FDG-PET/CT imaging, in virally suppressed HIV-infected individuals., and 2) To evaluate the cellular and biochemical basis of the effect of LDMTX therapy on arterial inflammation in HIV.

TERMINATED
FDG-PET in Advanced Melanoma
Description

This clinical trial studies how well FDG-PET/CT measures early response in patients with stage III-IV melanoma who are receiving chemotherapy. Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) uses a metabolic imaging radiotracer, \[18F\]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), which selectively accumulates in tumors. FDG-PET/CT of advanced melanoma before, during, and after treatment may improve methods for predicting which patients may benefit from therapy.

COMPLETED
Evaluation of Rosiglitazone Anti-inflammatory Effect With FDG-PET Imaging
Description

The purpose of this research study is to gain understanding of the basic responses of the lung to inflammation and specifically if a certain medication can reduce the inflammation alone or in combination with another. Inflammation is the way our bodies react to irritation or injury, and involves red, warm, and often painful swelling of the affected tissue. "Acute lung injury" involves inflammation that is not specific to one area of the lung and is caused by any one of several conditions: infection, trauma, breathing toxic substances, etc. When lung injury is severe, not enough oxygen can get into the body; this can lead to the need for mechanical support of breathing (mechanical ventilation), problems with brain, heart or other organ function, and in some cases, death.

COMPLETED
Fludeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Cervical Heterogenity Imaging Study
Description

Rationale: Diagnostic procedures, such as positron emission tomography (PET) using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), may help determine response to standard cancer therapy in patients with cervical cancer The purpose of this study is to evaluate the change in cervical tumor heterogenity as measured by FDG-PET/CT imaging.

Conditions
COMPLETED
PET-CT in the Management of Patients With Stage III or IV Metastatic Melanoma
Description

The goal of this clinical research study is to learn how often using a positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan in addition to a standard computed tomography (CT) scan will change the surgical plan in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Quantifying Airway Inflammation With Radiologic Tests
Description

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial we used positron emission tomography to determine if lovastatin or recombinant human activated protein C exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in humans following intrabronchial installation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS or endotoxin).

COMPLETED
Assessment of Lung Inflammation in Patients With Atopic Asthma Using Positron Emission Tomography
Description

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease. We propose to study inflammatory changes in the lungs of subjects with atopic asthma of different severity in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-deoxy-2-\[18F\]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG). It has been shown that the uptake of FDG as detected by PET scanning correlates with inflammation in animal models as well as in human disease processes such as sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and abscess formation. In addition, it has been shown that the inflammation associated with allergen challenge in patients with atopic asthma can be visualized using PET scanning with FDG. We hypothesize that the degree of FDG-uptake as a measure of inflammation correlates with the severity of asthma as determined by pulmonary function tests and clinical signs and symptoms. In addition, information about the spatial distribution of the inflammatory changes will be obtained. To compare the characteristics of the inflammation in asthma with non-asthmatic inflammation of the lung, the images obtained in asthmatic subjects will be compared with images from subjects who have inflammatory changes of the lung caused by Wegener's granulomatosis. Subjects with atopic asthma and non-atopic control subjects will be selected from the community and, if eligible for the study, undergo skin testing against common allergens and pulmonary function testing. Subjects with Wegener's granulomatosis will be selected from a large group of subjects followed with this disease at NIAID. PET scanning with FDG will be used to measure inflammation in the PET scanning facility at the Clinical Center of the NIH and the results of the scanning will be correlated with the severity of the disease. We expect that for the first time this methodology will permit an objective measure of the basic pathogenic process, the allergic inflammation, in patients with atopic asthma. Using this methodology it will be possible to study the efficacy of currently available therapies for allergic inflammation. In addition, this methodology will provide an extremely useful tool for the development of new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of asthma.

RECRUITING
18F-Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor ([18F]FAPI-74) PET Imaging for Cancer Detection
Description

Background: Fibroblast-activation protein (FAP) is an enzyme that appears in high numbers in certain cancer cells. \[18F\]FAPI-74 is a new tracer-a substance that is injected into a person s body before an imaging scan. Researchers believe that \[18F\]FAPI-74 may be able to highlight FAP enzymes more effectively than approved tracers. If so, the new tracer would make it easier to find FAP-positive tumors in the body. Objective: To see if \[18F\]FAPI-74 PET scans are as good or better than other methods for detecting certain cancers. Eligibility: People aged 18 years or older with cancer in 1 of these places: the ducts of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, or small intestine; stomach; bladder; ovaries; or adrenal glands. They must be enrolled in an NIH treatment study for their cancer. Design: Participants will have 2 baseline scans: 1 with \[18F\]FAPI-74; 1 with an approved tracer. The \[18F\]FAPI-74 will be infused through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein. About 1 hour later, the participant will undergo 1 or more imaging scans. Within 1 week, participants will undergo the same scanning procedures with the approved tracer. If the baseline scan with \[18F\]FAPI-74 shows the tumors, scans with this tracer will be repeated when their regular treatment regimen calls for scans again. If the scans with the regular tracer also showed tumors, this scan will be repeated within the same week as the repeated \[18F\]FAPI-74 scans. If either type of scan showed no tumors, that scan will not be repeated. If the participant s cancer progresses within 2 years, both types of scan may be repeated. Follow-up calls will continue for 2 years.

TERMINATED
Safety and Efficacy of Therapies for Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)
Description

This is a master protocol designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of investigational therapies in participants with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

COMPLETED
Impact of Grape Consumption on Brain Metabolism and Neuropsychological Performance Over 1 Year
Description

Constituents of grapes have been studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. In the past decade, there has been emerging evidence regarding a potential role for grapes in slowing cognitive decline and other effects of aging. Furthermore, evidence has been obtained in vivo that supplementation with grape seed extract in aged rats improves cognitive performance, and that supplementation with grapes in people having decline in cognition leads to preservation of metabolism in brain regions important to cognitive function over a period of six months. The investigator aims to measure effects of grape intake on cerebral metabolism and neuropsychological performance, and to determine whether initial patterns, and magnitude of change, of cerebral metabolism assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) can serve respectively as a predictor of, and biomarker for, the magnitude of cognitive changes resulting from intake of grapes over a period of at least one year.

TERMINATED
Infiltration Effect on SUV
Description

A widely used semi-quantitative parameter to assess tumor status is the standardized uptake value (SUV). SUV estimation accuracy can be impacted by many variables. Today there still exists a significant amount of variability in PET/CT results in test and re-test studies. This variability can be introduced by instrumentation and subject-specific factors. Variability reduces image quality and increases the required changes in tumor quantification to reflect real tumor response or progression. PET/CT scanning process requires that the entire net injected dose of radiolabeled tracer is administered intravenously as a bolus. The quality and quantification of a PET/CT image is highly dependent on the uptake of radiolabeled tracer. Boellaard et al. have indicated infiltrations could potentially underestimate SUV measurements by as much as 50%. Infiltrations and obstructions are not uncommon. Recent studies using a novel QA/QC tool (LaraTM System) for the radiotracer injection process revealed that current means to detect infiltration do not completely identify all infiltrations/obstructions. Since infiltrations may not be visible in the standard field of view (FOV) and since the impact of a peripheral circulatory obstruction may not be visible even if an injection site is in the FOV, it is possible for reading and treating physicians to be unaware that a patient's image and quantification has been impacted. Additionally, when current means do detect an infiltration, they under-represent the severity because they are not capturing that infiltrations often resolve during the uptake period. As a result, infiltrations or obstructions may cause SUV inaccuracy and could adversely impact staging and tumor assessments. The purpose of this study will be to characterize the impact of moderate or greater infiltrations on standardized uptake values. Patients experiencing a moderate or greater infiltration on a routine clinical PET scan will be invited to return for a repeat scan with injection performed by specially trained personnel to reduce the risk of repeat infiltration. The two scans will be compared to assess for changes in tumor uptake intensity.

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Physiological Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Description

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the myelin surrounding the nerve cells is damaged which affects functioning. MS usually is treated with medications designed to reduce the occurrence of future MS events. Evidence suggests that an important part of the disease process is damage to the myelin and brain caused by too much oxygen (sometimes called oxidative stress) or too much inflammation (or swelling). The overall goal of this study will be to determine whether N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will help to support cerebral function in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This positron emission tomography magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) study will utilize 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography FDG PET to measure cerebral metabolism, along with MRI analysis, to measure metabolism and structural effects of NAC in patients with MS.

TERMINATED
PET Assessment of Acute Lung Transplant Rejection
Description

The purpose of this research study is to gain understanding of the basic responses of the lungs to inflammation and specifically if there may be a better way to detect graft inflammation using non-invasive methods as well as to determine the effectiveness of immunosuppressive treatment regimens in preventing acute rejection in lung transplant recipients.

Conditions
COMPLETED
Functional Brain Imaging in PTSD
Description

Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have abnormalities in the function of the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex (particularly anterior cingulate), in addition to abnormalities of hippocampal volume. In this pilot study we propose to use the combined positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) scanner and F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG, an analog of glucose, the most commonly used PET ligand) to examine brain function and directly correlate the data with the intrinsic functional connectivity of brain circuits that are responsible for social, emotional and cognitive processing in both individuals with PTSD and group-matched trauma controls (TC) and healthy controls (HC). Once the machine is validated, we will then use a more specific biomarker to better understand the neurochemical factors that contribute to individual differences in PTSD. Thus, the data obtained from this pilot study will guide our future molecular imaging studies. The link between general brain function, specific molecular target and the intrinsic functional connectivity of brain circuits that are responsible for social, emotional and cognitive processing in PTSD, TC and HC will be explored.