Investigating the role of cerebral vasoconstriction in cerebral malaria

Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the developing world and cerebral malaria (CM), its most severe form, accounts for the majority of malaria-­associated deaths. The pathophysiology and the molecular mechanisms underlying this complex neurologic syndrome are still poorly understood, which has hindered the development of effective adjunct therapies. For this exploratory project, the researchers will leverage LSHTM International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research in India to expand the unique ongoing MRI investigations in both adults and pediatric CM patients admitted at Ispat General Hospital (IGH) in Rourkela, and apply advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques in the first comprehensive vascular imaging analysis of its kind. Novel findings suggest that reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) alone or in combination with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) may play a role in the pathophysiology of CM. The primary outcome of this project will be a better understanding of the different pathogenetic processes involved in pediatric and adult CM, which will guide the development of new adjunct therapies.

NIH Reporter - Project details

Basic Science
Enabling Technologies & Assays
Operational Research

Feb 2019 — Jan 2021

$290,362

India