7T MRI patterns in people with multiple sclerosis
Pooled analysis of multiple sclerosis findings on multi-site 7 Tesla MRI
Using ultra‑high‑field 7T MRI scans gathered from multiple centers, researchers look for imaging signs linked to symptoms and disease course in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124907 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project brings together 7T MRI scans and clinical data from several centers in the North American Imaging in MS (NAIMS) network to study brain changes in people with MS. Researchers will standardize image processing, pool large datasets, and use algorithmic analyses to find and quantify cortical and deep gray matter lesions, chronic active white matter lesions with paramagnetic rims, and leptomeningeal inflammation. They will develop and validate automated tools to detect these features on 7T MRI and relate them to clinical measures like disability and cognition. By using multi‑site data and automated methods, the team aims to make 7T findings more reliable and useful across different hospitals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who have had or can obtain a 7T MRI scan at a participating NAIMS site, including those with relapsing or progressive forms of MS.
Not a fit: Patients without access to 7T MRI, those with non‑MS neurological conditions, or those whose care does not involve advanced imaging are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors use 7T MRI findings to diagnose MS more precisely, monitor progression better, and tailor treatments based on clearer imaging markers.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier single‑site 7T MRI studies produced promising but inconsistent links between high‑field imaging features and MS pathology, so this pooled, multi‑site effort builds on suggestive but not yet definitive evidence.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrison, Daniel M — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Harrison, Daniel M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.