Faster MRI to find salvageable brain tissue after stroke
Development of fast penumbral imaging in acute ischemic stroke
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11137792
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
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137792 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SUN, PHILLIP ZHE — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SUN, PHILLIP ZHE
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.