Advanced ultrasound technology for better evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Ultrasensitive Doppler Ultrasound for Evaluation of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10659056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new ultrasound technology called HUMI that aims to better detect inflammation in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis, helping doctors provide more accurate treatment based on what they find.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $209,880 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR076028-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10659056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who require regular assessments of joint inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are not undergoing regular evaluations or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new ultrasound technology called High-sensitivity Ultrasound Microvessel Imaging (HUMI) to improve the evaluation of synovial inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Current methods like MRI and traditional Doppler ultrasound have limitations in sensitivity and cost, which can lead to underdiagnosis. The HUMI technology aims to provide a more accurate and comprehensive assessment by detecting microvessels in 3D with high sensitivity, using advanced imaging techniques and algorithms. This could lead to better management of RA by guiding therapy more effectively based on precise evaluations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment strategies for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with advanced ultrasound technologies in similar applications, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shigao — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shigao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Risk factors and biomarkers for progression of subclinical RA-related lung disease
This study follows people with rheumatoid arthritis to understand who develops lung disease and what biomarkers predict it.
-
Pregnancy changes in rheumatoid arthritis and new treatment ideas
This research seeks to understand why some women’s rheumatoid arthritis improves during pregnancy and how to predict and mimic that effect to make treatments safer and more effective for pregnant patients.
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.