Improved MRI methods to find small brain aneurysms likely to grow
Official title: Investigation of the quantitative intracranial aneurysm wall enhancement and geometric features associated with aneurysm volume growth
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11175416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,978 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162743-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175416 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Chengcheng — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Chengcheng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how brain aneurysm walls and shape change over time
This project studies how small brain aneurysms grow and whether MRI features of the aneurysm wall and its shape can predict growth so doctors can better decide when treatment is needed.
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Predicting brain aneurysm growth with advanced 4D MRI and tensor math
A research project uses 4D flow MRI and new math models to predict how brain aneurysms grow over time, helping doctors decide on safer treatments for people with UIAs.
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How aging and aged (senescent) cells may cause brain aneurysm rupture
This research tests whether removing aging 'senescent' cells can lower the chance that a brain aneurysm will burst for people with intracranial aneurysms.
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Reprogramming blood-vessel lining cells in inherited brain aneurysms
This project aims to find out whether fixing gene-related changes in the cells that line brain arteries can lower aneurysm risk in people with a family history.
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How tiny cell structures (podosomes) may weaken brain arteries and cause aneurysms
Testing whether podosomes — small structures inside blood vessel cells — make brain arteries weaker and raise the risk of aneurysm rupture for people with or at risk of brain aneurysms.
-
How cells' cleanup of vessel attachments may affect brain aneurysms
This project looks at whether a cellular cleanup process in blood‑vessel lining cells weakens brain arteries and contributes to aneurysms in people at risk for intracranial aneurysm.
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.