Advanced MRI to detect vein-related signs of multiple sclerosis in the spinal cord
Development of Susceptibility Weighted MRI for the Human Spinal Cord
Researchers will use enhanced susceptibility-weighted MRI at 3T and 7T to better visualize small veins and lesion features in the spinal cord of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308258 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will optimize a special MRI technique called susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) so it works well for the spinal cord at both clinical 3T and research 7T scanners. They will image healthy volunteers and people with relapsing‑remitting MS to look for features such as enlarged anterior/posterior spinal veins, the central vein sign, and paramagnetic rims around lesions. Images from different field strengths will be compared and validated to identify reliable spinal cord markers of MS. The methods may also be applied later to other spinal cord problems like traumatic injury, microbleeds, and compression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who can safely undergo MRI, including high-field 7T scans, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without MS or those who cannot have MRI because of incompatible implants, severe claustrophobia, pregnancy, or other safety exclusions are unlikely to benefit or participate.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors detect and track spinal cord involvement in MS more accurately.
How similar studies have performed: SWI has improved diagnostic specificity and lesion characterization in the brain for MS, but spinal cord SWI is relatively new and supported mainly by a few early studies and post-mortem observations.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Seth a — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Smith, Seth a
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.