Faster MRI to find salvageable brain tissue after stroke
Official title: Development of fast penumbral imaging in acute ischemic stroke
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11137792 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing faster MRI scans that spot at-risk but still-salvageable brain tissue for people with acute ischemic stroke so doctors can make quicker treatment decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2013 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS083654-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137792 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with acute ischemic stroke, especially those who arrive 6–24 hours after symptoms start with moderate to severe deficits and who are being considered for reperfusion or thrombectomy.
✕Less likely to help
People with hemorrhagic stroke, chronic/stable stroke, very minor symptoms, or those who are not candidates for reperfusion therapies are unlikely to benefit directly from this imaging work.
What this research studies
Researchers are creating faster MRI methods that measure tissue acidity (pH) and microscopic water movement (diffusion kurtosis) to identify the "penumbra" — brain areas at risk but not yet dead. They will refine and validate these techniques using experimental stroke models and build on earlier magnetization-transfer and amide proton transfer pH imaging work. The team aims to produce quick scans that reveal collateral blood flow and tissue metabolism to guide decisions about reperfusion or thrombectomy, especially for patients who arrive beyond standard time windows. If translated to clinical care, these scans could help doctors identify more patients who might benefit from treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help more stroke patients be identified as candidates for reperfusion therapies and receive timely treatment that may improve recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Large trials like DAWN and DEFUSE-3 showed that imaging-based selection can expand thrombectomy benefits, and earlier pH and diffusion MRI methods have shown promise in animals and early studies, but rapid pH/DKI approaches remain novel and are still being developed.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Phillip Zhe — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Sun, Phillip Zhe
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
-
Modeling Acute Ischemic Stroke to Improve Mechanical Thrombectomy
A research project is creating better computer models and animal studies to help remove clots more safely and effectively in people who have an acute ischemic stroke.
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Nanoparticle-delivered tPA to overcome clot resistance in acute ischemic stroke
A Mayo Clinic team is testing a nanoparticle-delivered tPA approach to help dissolve clots more effectively in people with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel blockage.
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Engineered tissue regulatory T cells as a treatment for stroke
A new off-the-shelf cell therapy using engineered regulatory T cells could help people who have an ischemic stroke recover by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
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Fast penumbral imaging to guide stroke treatment
Aims to develop quick MRI techniques to identify tissue at risk in acute ischemic stroke and help decide whether to use advanced clot-busting treatment.
-
Circadian factors shaping reperfusion success in acute stroke
This grant looks at how the body’s internal clock might influence how well stroke patients respond to clot-busting or clot-removal treatments.
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.