Atherosclerosis in cocaine addiction: imaging risk with PET/MR
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11520916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses PET/MR imaging to look for early artery disease in people with cocaine use disorder to help prevent strokes or other brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $151,200 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DA049547-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11520916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a history of cocaine use disorder who are at risk for vascular disease and able to undergo PET/MRI imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a history of cocaine use disorder or without risk factors for vascular disease may not benefit from this imaging-focused research.
What this research studies
People with cocaine use disorder may develop artery plaque before symptoms appear. The study uses a combined PET and MRI scan to measure inflammation in artery walls and to assess plaque burden in the carotid arteries. This approach aims to detect early vascular changes in asymptomatic individuals with a history of cocaine use, guiding prevention efforts. Participants will undergo advanced imaging to identify signs of atherosclerosis that could lead to cerebral ischemia if untreated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could enable earlier detection of dangerous artery changes in cocaine users, informing personalized prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior imaging studies have shown that PET/MRI can detect vascular inflammation and plaque burden, with this project applying it to a new high-risk group (iCUD).
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alia-Klein, Nelly — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Alia-Klein, Nelly
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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.