Dynamic ultrasound method for checking upper urinary tract blockage
Official title: Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound: A radiation-free, cost-effective alternative to diuretic renography for evaluating upper urinary tract obstruction
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11445878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A radiation-free ultrasound approach is being studied as a faster, cheaper alternative to current tests for suspected blockages in the upper urinary tract for adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $687,654 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK145455-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+ years) with suspected upper urinary tract obstruction who are candidates for diagnostic imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without suspected UUTO or whose anatomy prevents meaningful ultrasound assessment may not benefit.
What this research studies
This NIH-funded project explores using dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCEUS) to evaluate upper urinary tract obstruction (UUTO) in adults, aiming to avoid radiation and reduce costs. Researchers will compare DCEUS with the standard nuclear medicine diuretic renography to see if it can accurately reflect renal perfusion changes before permanent kidney damage occurs. The study will leverage vascular ultrasound contrast agents to directly measure renal microvascular perfusion and identify early signs of obstruction. If successful, this method could improve accessibility and speed of diagnosis, especially in underserved populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive radiation-free, quicker and potentially more accessible diagnostics for UUTO, helping preserve kidney function.
How similar studies have gone: Prior imaging approaches have shown promise, but this specific DCEUS method for UUTO is a novel approach that aims to demonstrate added value over NMDR.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalayeh, Kourosh — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Kalayeh, Kourosh
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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.