Improved MRI methods to find small brain aneurysms likely to grow
Investigation of the quantitative intracranial aneurysm wall enhancement and geometric features associated with aneurysm volume growth
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11175416
Using improved MRI scans to find inflammation and shape changes that show which small brain aneurysms may grow in people with unruptured aneurysms.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11175416 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a patient with an unruptured brain aneurysm, this project uses advanced contrast-enhanced vessel-wall MRI and 3D imaging to measure aneurysm wall enhancement and precise geometric features. The team will refine scan techniques to reduce flow artifacts and shorten scan time, and will use quantitative image analysis instead of subjective reads. Patients will have scheduled imaging follow-up so researchers can link imaging markers to aneurysm growth over time. The goal is to identify which small aneurysms behave aggressively so that treatment can be offered selectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with unruptured intracranial aneurysms who are undergoing imaging follow-up, especially those with small aneurysms not currently recommended for immediate treatment, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without intracranial aneurysms, those whose aneurysms have already been treated, or those with large aneurysms already scheduled for intervention are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors identify small aneurysms at higher risk of growth so they can offer timely treatment and prevent ruptures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that aneurysm wall enhancement and growth are linked and that growing aneurysms have a much higher rupture risk, but existing imaging methods have been mostly qualitative and limited, so this quantitative imaging approach is novel and promising.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHU, CHENGCHENG — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: ZHU, CHENGCHENG
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.