Improving imaging techniques for identifying brain tissue at risk during strokes
Official title: Hyperpolarized 13C metabolic imaging in an endovascular swine model of ischemic stroke
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10932974 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging method to help doctors find brain tissue that can still be saved during a stroke, which could lead to better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS133531-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932974 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced an ischemic stroke and are within the critical time window for treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have suffered from hemorrhagic strokes or those outside the treatment window may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new imaging technique using hyperpolarized 13C metabolic imaging to better identify brain tissue that is at risk during ischemic strokes. By using an endovascular swine model, the study aims to enhance the accuracy of detecting salvageable brain tissue, known as the penumbra, which is crucial for timely intervention. The approach focuses on understanding energy metabolism changes in the brain following a stroke, which could lead to improved treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from more precise assessments that could expand eligibility for life-saving therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for stroke patients by accurately identifying brain tissue that can still be saved.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in improving imaging techniques for stroke assessment, but this specific approach using hyperpolarized 13C is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mayer, Dirk — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Mayer, Dirk
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
-
EP2 blockers to protect the brain after a stroke
Aims to test brain-permeable EP2 antagonists to reduce damage after ischemic stroke and improve recovery.
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Genetic testing to find causes of early-onset ischemic stroke
This project uses whole-exome sequencing to look for gene changes that may cause ischemic stroke in adults who had a stroke at a young age.
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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.
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How biological aging and blood proteins relate to thinking after a stroke
This project looks at whether measures of biological aging and patterns of blood proteins help explain which stroke survivors keep their thinking sharp and which go on to develop vascular dementia.
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Repurposing NEXLETOL to treat ischemic stroke
Aims to see if the cholesterol drug NEXLETOL can help people after an ischemic stroke by supporting brain energy use and reducing injury.
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.