Examining lung blood vessel changes to improve outcomes in lung diseases
Official title: Pulmonary Vascular Pruning on Computed Tomography and Interstitial Lung Disease Outcomes
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11036393 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special CT scans can help find changes in the tiny blood vessels in the lungs that might put people at risk for serious lung problems, like fibrosis and high blood pressure in the lungs, so we can catch these issues early and help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,484 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL164976-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036393 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with interstitial lung disease who have undergone CT scans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with interstitial lung disease who do not have CT imaging available or those with advanced disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in the small blood vessels of the lungs, known as pruning, can be detected through advanced imaging techniques using CT scans. By analyzing existing imaging data and recruiting new patients, the study aims to identify individuals at risk for serious complications related to interstitial lung diseases (ILD), such as progressive lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. The goal is to enhance early detection and treatment strategies for these conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and treatment of patients at risk for severe lung complications, potentially improving their quality of life and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that advanced imaging techniques can successfully identify vascular changes in lung diseases, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Synn, Andrew — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Synn, Andrew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Obinutuzumab for CTD-Related Interstitial Lung Disease in adults
This project tests whether the anti-B cell therapy obinutuzumab can help adults with connective tissue disease–related ILD who are on mycophenolate therapy.
-
Obinutuzumab for connective tissue disease–related interstitial lung disease in adults
A study will test whether Obinutuzumab, given with standard treatments, can help adults with CTD-ILD breathe better and have fewer disease-related problems.
-
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.
-
Understanding how a cell protein (SLC9A1) drives skin and lung scarring in systemic sclerosis
A five-year NIH grant aims to understand how a specific cell protein called SLC9A1 influences scar-forming cells in systemic sclerosis and related lung disease, with the goal of finding possible therapies.
-
From proteins and genes to new treatments for scar-related lung disease
A large NIH grant is working to map the proteins in the lungs of people with systemic sclerosis to find new targets for drugs that could slow or stop lung fibrosis.
-
Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis and Lung Disease in Adults
A study in adults with systemic sclerosis will look at how blood vessels in the lungs and body relate to the development of lung disease, with the aim of finding new ways to prevent it.
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.