Advanced MRI to Detect Scarring in Transplanted Kidneys

Characterization of Renal Allograft Fibrosis and Prediction of Outcome Using a Quantitative MRI Approach

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11086669

This project uses a special MRI scan to find scarring in transplanted kidneys, helping doctors understand how well the new kidney is working.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11086669 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Kidney transplantation is a life-changing treatment, but sometimes transplanted kidneys develop scarring, called fibrosis, which can affect how long they last. Currently, doctors often need a biopsy to check for this scarring, which is an invasive procedure with potential risks. This project aims to develop a new, non-invasive MRI technique that can accurately detect and measure scarring in transplanted kidneys without a biopsy. By using advanced MRI, we hope to get a clearer picture of kidney health and predict how well the transplant will function over time. This could lead to earlier and more personalized care for transplant recipients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who have received a kidney transplant and are experiencing or at risk of progressive kidney dysfunction may be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone a kidney transplant or do not have chronic renal disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer, more comfortable way to monitor kidney transplant health and predict long-term outcomes, potentially leading to better treatment decisions.

How similar studies have performed: While biopsies are the current standard, preliminary data from this team suggests that advanced MRI can capture kidney transplant fibrosis, indicating a promising, yet still developing, approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Chronic Renal Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.