CranioRate — imaging and computer tools to measure and track craniosynostosis
CranioRate: An imaging-based, deep-phenotyping analysis toolset, repository, and online clinician interface for craniosynostosis
This project builds imaging and computer tools to measure head shape in infants and children with craniosynostosis so doctors can track severity and post-surgery results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162508 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will expand a machine-learning tool that measures skull shape from CT scans and 3D photos to create detailed "deep phenotypes" of craniosynostosis. The team will build a secure image repository and an online clinician interface to upload images, get objective measurements, and compare cases to reference data. They will refine algorithms using prior pilot data that matched expert ratings and add features to monitor post-operative head shape. The work also aims to increase use of 3D photography to study outcomes while reducing reliance on CT when possible.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants and children with suspected or confirmed craniosynostosis, including those being evaluated before or after corrective surgery.
Not a fit: People without craniosynostosis or those who cannot access participating imaging clinics or submit images to the repository may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give families and surgeons more precise, objective information about skull shape to guide timing of surgery and track recovery, and may reduce the need for some CT scans.
How similar studies have performed: A prior pilot (R21EB026061) showed the team's machine-learning tool matched expert clinician ratings, and this project scales and extends that approach to include 3D photography and an online interface.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elhabian, Shireen Youssef — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Elhabian, Shireen Youssef
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.