Circulating Extracellular Vesicle Biomarkers of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease

Investigating Blood Particles in Stroke and Areas of Tissue Damage Due to Lack of Blood Supply

C
Candice Brown

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
18 years or above
All
Phase N/A
1200 participants needed
1 Location

Brief description of study

The purpose of this study is to understand the reasons why people develop strokes and how strokes contribute to the onset of dementia. We will do this by comparing people who have had an ischemic stroke with people who have silent brain infarcts, which are also called silent strokes. Silent brain infarcts are a condition in which the body does not exhibit any apparent signs or symptoms of a stroke but images of their brain show that they may have had a stroke. In this study we determine if particles in the blood called extracellular vesicles are different in people with silent brain infarcts compared to people without them.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Potential subjects will be identified by research staff using medical records and approached by research staff.

Detailed description of study

Silent brain infarcts are a condition in which the body does not exhibit any apparent signs or symptoms of a stroke but images of their brain show that they may have had a stroke. In this study we determine if particles in the blood called extracellular vesicles are different in people with silent brain infarcts compared to people without them. To study this, we will collect a small blood sample from study participants.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Ischemic Stroke, Silent Brain Infarct, Silent Stroke
  • Age: 18 years or above
  • Gender: All

Inclusion criteria:
Acute Stroke
-    First ever ischemic stroke
-    Patient should be within 72 hours of last known normal
-    Evidence of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is fine

Silent Brain Infarcts/Silent Stroke
-    Neuroimaging diagnosis of silent brain infarction at any time (see criteria in papers and previous IRB)
-    No prior history of stroke 
-    Can be identified through EMU (epilepsy monitoring unit) – Will work with Dr. Dragos Sabau

Controls
-    Limited to individuals in these three groups: 
o    Diagnosis of functional neurologic disorder (FND)
o    Diagnosis of psychosomatic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)
o    Admitted to epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) – Will work with Dr. Dragos Sabau

Exclusion criteria:
-    Pregnancy
-    Non-English speakers

- Spinal cord strokes
-    Formal dementia diagnosis in chart or cannot pass a basic cognitive screening evaluation (ability to understand consent materials should be sufficient)
-    Autoimmune disorders: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease/Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis, Type I diabetes
-    Active cancer or treatment
-    Acute infection (defined as elevated white blood cell count -  includes UTI, soft skin infections, pneumonia, general sepsis)
-    Current major trauma (motor vehicle accident, traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, falls, major burns)
-    Hemorrhagic stroke or prior hemorrhagic stroke

This study investigates the reasons why some people have strokes and how these strokes might lead to dementia. The study compares people who have had an ischemic stroke with those who have silent brain infarcts, which are strokes that don't show symptoms but can be seen on brain images. Researchers are looking at particles in the blood called extracellular vesicles to see if they differ between these groups.

Participants in this study will have a small blood sample taken to examine these extracellular vesicles. This process helps researchers understand if these blood particles are linked to silent brain infarcts.

  • Who can participate: Participants must have had a first-ever ischemic stroke within 72 hours or a neuroimaging diagnosis of silent brain infarction. Exclusions include pregnancy, non-English speakers, and certain medical conditions like autoimmune disorders and active cancer.
  • Study details: Participants will provide a small blood sample for analysis, aiding researchers in understanding differences in blood particles between those with and without silent brain infarcts.
Updated on 13 Jul 2026. Study ID: ANES-IIR-30515, 30515
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Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only