Cerebrovascular diseases

Our team

Our research is proudly supported by the Stroke Unit at CHU Liège, a leading center that handles over 1,000 stroke alerts each year and carries out around 150 thrombolysis treatments and 120 thrombectomies.

We focus on a wide range of brain health issues, including major strokes, small vessel diseases, and inflammation affecting blood vessels in the brain.

To better understand and treat these conditions, we use advanced techniques like proteomics (the study of proteins), cell sorting, ultrasound imaging, and powerful MRI scans—including ultra-high field MRI.

Our goal is simple: to help improve care and outcomes for people affected by stroke and other serious brain conditions.

 

 

Ongoing projects

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Help Us Understand Upper Limb Recovery After Stroke

PI : L. VOGEL

We’re conducting a new clinical study in the Liège region to better predict how stroke patients regain movement—and we’re looking for volunteers to join us.

Why This Study Matters

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often affecting arm and hand function. By combining advanced brain imaging with artificial intelligence, we hope to improve the way we predict motor recovery—helping doctors personalize care and rehabilitation in the future.

What the Study Involves

Who can participate?
Individuals who have experienced an ischemic stroke within the past 7 to 14 days, and who have no contraindications to MRI or TMS.

What will you do?
Participation lasts about 3 months and includes:

Two visits to the Cyclotron Research Center (B30 – ULiège) for MRI and TMS-EEG scans.

A follow-up neurology consultation three months after your stroke.

What are we studying?

We will collect MRI and brain activity data to see if we can predict motor recovery using AI-based analysis.

Interested in Participating?

If you’d like to take part or learn more, we’d be happy to hear from you. Your contribution could play a vital role in advancing stroke research and improving recovery outcomes for others.

Contact

neurologie@uliege.be

Ultra High-Field MRI: Exploring Brain Microstructure in Small vessel diseases

PI : J. BAUDRU

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a common condition often detected in clinical MRI scans, characterized by several brain abnormalities, including:

- FLAIR hyperintensities (WMH)

- Lacunes of probable vascular origin (LPVO)

- Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS)

- Microbleeds (CMBs)

- Cortical siderosis (CSS)

While some of these abnormalities can appear in otherwise healthy individuals, they are commonly linked to cognitive decline and functional deterioration, particularly in aging populations. The lesions themselves may appear identical on conventional MRI scans, but they are associated with two primary causes:

- Microangiopathy induced by hypertension and diabetes

- Amyloid angiopathy

In this research study, we are utilizing 7 Tesla quantitative MRI (qMRI) to analyze the microstructure of these abnormalities in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Our study involves a population of approximately 100 participants, with the goal of exploring the differences between the abnormal areas of the brain and normal appearing brain tissue (NABT) as seen in conventional MRI.

Study Goals

- To examine the structural and topographical characteristics of SVD-related brain abnormalities (e.g., WMH, LPVO, CMBs, EPVS, CSS)

- To identify any potential correlation between the lesions observed in MRI scans and clinical phenotypes of patients

- To enhance understanding of how microangiopathy and amyloid angiopathy contribute to cognitive and functional deterioration

Why This Research Matters

By investigating the microstructure of brain abnormalities using high-field quantitative MRI, this study could provide crucial insights into the underlying causes of cerebral small vessel disease. This may lead to:

- Improved diagnostic tools for detecting SVD-related abnormalities

- Better understanding of the relationship between brain lesions and clinical outcomes

- The development of more targeted treatment strategies for managing cognitive decline associated with SVD

How You Can Contribute to the Study

We invite individuals who have experienced symptoms of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) or are interested in participating in this research to join our study. Your participation will help us advance the understanding of brain microstructure and its connection to cognitive and functional deterioration in SVD.

Eligibility Criteria:

- Individuals diagnosed with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD)

- No contraindications to MRI

Study Duration: The study will involve MRI scans and clinical assessments to evaluate the relationship between brain lesions and clinical outcomes.

Contact

neurologie@uliege.be

CASES 

Immediate Stent vs. Standard Stroke Treatment

 PI: J. LY

Approximately 20% of patients with ischemic stroke caused by a large intracranial artery blockage also suffer from significant carotid artery narrowing in the neck. This clinical study aims to evaluate whether immediate stenting of the carotid artery during stroke treatment can enhance blood flow and reduce the risk of recurrent strokes. However, the procedure may also carry a higher risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (brain bleeding).

Participants diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke and a narrowed carotid artery will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups:

- Immediate carotid stenting during the initial stroke intervention

- Standard stroke treatment, including delayed surgery or medical therapy based on stroke severity

The primary goal is to compare functional recovery three months after the stroke between the two groups.

Contact

neurologie@uliege.be

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TARGETS-HSA

Investigating the Role of Thromboinflammation in Delayed Cerebral Ischemia after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

PI: F. DELVOYE

A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurs when there is bleeding in the space surrounding the brain, often caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. A ruptured aneurysm—an abnormal bulging in the blood vessel wall—can lead to severe complications, including delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI).

Delayed cerebral ischemia is a condition where parts of the brain receive insufficient blood and oxygen due to temporary constriction of blood vessels. This phenomenon can result in significant neurological impairments, such as:

- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body

- Speech difficulties

- Loss of alertness or consciousness

- Memory and concentration problems

These symptoms can severely impact a person's ability to return to a normal life. Despite being closely monitored, current treatments and prevention strategies for delayed cerebral ischemia remain ineffective.

Recent studies suggest that a process called thromboinflammation plays a key role in the development of DCI after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Thromboinflammation involves:

- Platelets, which are involved in clot formation but can also worsen the inflammatory response

- White blood cells (immune system cells), which may exacerbate inflammation and contribute to brain damage

This dangerous interaction may continue for up to three weeks after the initial hemorrhage, increasing the risk of further brain injury. Understanding this process is crucial to developing effective treatment.

In this clinical research study, we are investigating whether thromboinflammatory markers in the blood can help predict the onset of delayed cerebral ischemia.

Study Goals:

- Collect blood samples from patients at different stages following a subarachnoid hemorrhage

- Measure thromboinflammatory markers that may indicate the likelihood of DCI

- Compare blood markers in DCI patients versus those who do not develop DCI

Why This Matters

Identifying specific biological markers linked to thromboinflammation can lead to:

- Earlier diagnosis of delayed cerebral ischemia

- Development of targeted treatments to prevent or reduce DCI

- Future research into how to block or counteract harmful thromboinflammatory processes

Eligibility Requirements

If you or a loved one has experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage, we invite you to participate in this important study. Your involvement could contribute to breakthroughs in improving stroke and aneurysm care, potentially saving lives and improving recovery outcomes for others in the future.

- Patients who have suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage

- Willingness to provide blood samples at different stages of recovery

Study Duration: Varies based on individual involvement. Blood samples will be collected over a designated period, and results will guide future clinical practices.

Help us transform the Future of Stroke and Aneurysm Treatment

By joining this study, you help us make significant progress in the fight against the effects of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Together, we can develop more effective treatments and improve the quality of life for those affected by aneurysms and brain injuries.

Contact

neurologie@uliege.be

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TARGETS-STROKE

Study on Thromboinflammation and Stroke: Investigating Mechanisms Behind Brain Damage

PI: F. DELVOYE

During a stroke, the rapid increase in brain damage due to blood vessel occlusion and the sudden decrease in oxygen supply to the brain is not fully understood. This lack of understanding often limits the effectiveness of current treatment techniques and can significantly affect the prognosis of stroke patients. Thromboinflammation, a key mechanism recently highlighted in stroke research, plays a critical role in exacerbating brain damage.

This clinical study aims to investigate the relationship between thromboinflammation and stroke severity by analyzing blood markers at different stages of the disease’s progression.

Study Objectives

- Collect blood samples from stroke patients at various stages of recovery

- Measure thromboinflammatory markers in the blood, which are molecules linked to inflammation and clot formation

- Compare levels of thromboinflammation between patients with large stroke volumes and those without

Focus of the Study

The primary goal is to determine whether patients who experience a stroke caused by large artery occlusion and have a larger stroke volume show elevated levels of thromboinflammatory markers compared to those with smaller strokes.

Why This Research Matters

Identifying and understanding biological markers of thromboinflammation can lead to:

- Improved diagnosis of stroke severity and prognosis

- The development of targeted treatments to reduce the rapid expansion of brain lesions caused by arterial blockage

- New therapeutic strategies to mitigate the impact of thromboinflammation during and after a stroke

The results from this study could help revolutionize how we diagnose, monitor, and treat strokes, offering hope for more effective therapies and better outcomes for patients.

We invite patients who have experienced a stroke caused by a large artery occlusion to participate in this study. Your involvement will help us gain valuable insights into the mechanisms behind thromboinflammation and the progression of brain damage during stroke.

Study Criteria

- Diagnosed with stroke due to large artery occlusion

- Experience of a large stroke volume

Study Duration: Involves blood sample collection at different stages of stroke recovery

Contact

neurologie@uliege.be

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COMPOCLOT-ULG

Stroke Clot Formation and Thromboinflammation: A Groundbreaking Study on Clot Removal Mechanisms

PI: F DELVOYE

During a stroke, a blood clot (composed of platelets, white blood cells, and proteins) blocks an artery, disrupting the blood supply to a part of the brain. This blockage causes the affected area to quickly stop functioning and form a scar, leading to permanent loss of brain function. Emergency stroke treatment focuses on removing the clot to restore blood flow, either through thrombolysis (administering a clot-dissolving treatment through the veins) or mechanical thrombectomy (physically removing the clot). However, these techniques are not always feasible due to the risks, particularly bleeding, and may not always be effective, leading to limited recovery of daily independence in stroke patients.

Recent studies have highlighted the significance of thromboinflammation, a process where platelets interact with the immune system (white blood cells), amplifying their destructive effects during a stroke. This mechanism not only contributes to clot formation but may also play a role in resistance to clot removal treatments, making them less effective.

Study Focus: Investigating Thromboinflammation and Stroke Clot Resistance

This clinical study aims to explore how thromboinflammation affects clot removal in stroke patients by:

- Collecting blood samples and analyzing the clot responsible for artery blockage

- Taking additional blood samples twice to monitor changes in thromboinflammatory markers at different stages

- Investigating the relationship between difficult-to-remove clots and the presence of thromboinflammatory markers in the blood and within the clot itself

Study Objectives

- Identify biological markers of thromboinflammation in blood and clots that could predict clot resistance to treatments

- Determine how thromboinflammation affects the efficacy of clot dissolution or removal therapies

- Use the data to develop new diagnostic and treatment strategies to improve stroke recovery and minimize the risks of clot removal procedures

- RNA Analysis of Clots: Understanding Clot Formation at the Molecular Level. The study also aims to investigate where the clot originated by analyzing RNA (ribonucleic acid) from the clot. RNA analysis can reveal the genetic activity of cells involved in clot formation, offering deeper insight into the mechanisms behind clot resistance and helping to develop more effective treatments for stroke patients.

Why This Research Matters

Understanding thromboinflammation and its role in clot resistance could revolutionize stroke treatment, leading to:

- Better diagnostic tools for predicting clot behavior and stroke severity

- Improved treatment strategies for clot dissolution or removal

- Enhanced stroke recovery and independence for patients, by overcoming challenges in clot treatment

Eligibility Criteria

If you or someone you know has experienced a stroke and received treatment for clot removal, you may be eligible to participate in this study. Your involvement could help us unlock new strategies for improving clot removal and preventing brain damage in stroke patients. We are looking for pateints with:

- Diagnosed with a stroke involving a blood clot that obstructed a major artery

- Willing to provide blood samples and clot samples for analysis

Study Duration: Blood and clot samples will be collected twice over the course of the study.

Contact

neurologie@uliege.be

Our collaborations

- GIGA cardiovascular