Abbreviated heart MRI to quickly find stroke causes
Official title: Abbreviated Cardiovascular MRI for Enhanced Etiology Diagnosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11310485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short MRI-based test is being developed to quickly and affordably identify the cause of an acute ischemic stroke in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $451,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL184337-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have acute ischemic stroke and are undergoing standard diagnostic workups.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not meet imaging or safety criteria for MRI or have non-stroke neurological issues.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a streamlined cardiovascular MRI protocol that can be used soon after a stroke to determine its origin. It focuses on time and cost efficiency while providing accurate etiologic clues to guide treatment. If successful, it could shorten diagnostic delays and help tailor secondary prevention for stroke patients. The work involves imaging patients with suspected AIS and comparing the abbreviated method to standard workups to ensure reliability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may get faster, more precise diagnosis and better-tailored prevention strategies after a stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows imaging-based etiology approaches can improve classification, though this specific abbreviated protocol is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Zhaoyang — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Fan, Zhaoyang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using advanced MRI to improve treatment for acute ischemic stroke patients
This study is looking at a new way to use special MRI scans to find brain areas that are still healthy enough to treat after a stroke, even if it's been a while since the stroke happened, so that more patients can get the help they need to recover.
-
Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
-
Modeling Acute Ischemic Stroke to Improve Mechanical Thrombectomy
A research project is creating better computer models and animal studies to help remove clots more safely and effectively in people who have an acute ischemic stroke.
-
Nanoparticle-delivered tPA to overcome clot resistance in acute ischemic stroke
A Mayo Clinic team is testing a nanoparticle-delivered tPA approach to help dissolve clots more effectively in people with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel blockage.
-
Engineered tissue regulatory T cells as a treatment for stroke
A new off-the-shelf cell therapy using engineered regulatory T cells could help people who have an ischemic stroke recover by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
-
Fast penumbral imaging to guide stroke treatment
Aims to develop quick MRI techniques to identify tissue at risk in acute ischemic stroke and help decide whether to use advanced clot-busting treatment.
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.