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Study of Gastrointestinal Dysfunction and Enteric Neural Pathology in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Study of Gastrointestinal Dysfunction and Enteric Neural Pathology in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Status
Enrolling by invitation
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04566341
Enrollment
20
Registered
2020-09-28
Start date
2019-05-04
Completion date
2029-12-31
Last updated
2025-10-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Parkinson, Parkinson Disease

Keywords

OCT, Optical Coherence Tomography, TCE, Tethered Capsule Endomicroscopy

Brief summary

The goal of this research is to determine (1) the feasibility of tethered capsule OCT esophageal imaging in the Parkinson's Disease population; (2) the morphologic changes in the enteric nervous system of the esophagus in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Detailed description

The purpose of this study is to establish the esophageal pathology findings as imaged with tethered capsule microscopy in participants with Parkinson Disease. Images from participants with Parkinson disease will be compared to our previously obtained images in healthy participants to establish the spectrum of esophageal pathologies occurring in participants with Parkinson disease by OCT imaging. In the case of imaging internal luminal organs, like the esophagus, OCT light is delivered via a long catheter. We have developed a new technique termed Tethered Capsule Endomicroscopy (TCE). TCE involves swallowing a tethered capsule that acquires cross-sectional microscopic images of the entire esophagus as it traverses the luminal organ via peristalsis or is pulled up towards the mouth using tether. The catheter is connected to the imaging system, and the side-viewing optical beam rotates either proximally by a motorized rotary joint or distally by a micro-motor, effectuating circular scanning of the lumen wall. Three-dimensional OCT of the entire length of the lumen can be acquired by simultaneous rotation and translation of the focused OCT beam creating a helical pattern.

Interventions

DEVICEOCT - TCE

Participants will be asked to swallow the TCE. They may use mild numbing spray, and lubrication spray to help swallowing. Imaging will be conducted once the TCE is past the pharynx. We will advance the TCE until the stomach and then slowly pull the TCE back up the esophagus. This may be repeated twice.

Sponsors

Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Idiopathic Parkinson's disease as defined by the United Kingdom PD Society Brain Bank Criteria * Parkinson Disease Hoehn and Yahr stage 2-4 * Participants on stable dose of Parkinson Disease medications for at least 4 weeks prior to the study screening * Participants between 40 and 85 years old * Participants who are capable of giving informed consent

Exclusion criteria

* Atypical or secondary Parkinson Disease * Esophageal fistula and/or esophageal strictures with a luminal stricture diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the capsule * Recent intestinal resection (within the last six months) * Prior gastric, esophageal or oropharyngeal surgery * Inability to swallow capsules * Pregnancy, according to participant information

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Feasibility of OCT TCE to identify Parkinson's Disease based on image adequacyImaging data is collected during the procedure and analyzed within 1 year of collection.The image adequacy will be assessed qualitatively (resolution, contrast, etc).
Feasibility of OCT TCE to identify Parkinson's Disease based on morphological changes compared to matched controlsImaging data is collected during the procedure and analyzed within 1 year of collection.The PI will confirm morphologic changes in the enteric nervous system of the esophagus of Parkinson's Disease subjects compared to matched controls. This is a comparison performed by the PI against historical controls, as this imaging technique is too novel to have standard quality grading.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026