Improving MRI techniques to measure liver iron levels without requiring breath-holding

Rapid Free-Breathing 3D High-Resolution MRI for Volumetric Liver Iron Quantification

NIH-funded research State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11298501

This study is testing a new MRI method that makes it easier and more comfortable for people, especially kids, to check their liver iron levels without needing to hold their breath, which is important for managing conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis and transfusion hemosiderosis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stony Brook, United States)
Project IDNIH-11298501 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a rapid, free-breathing MRI technique to accurately quantify liver iron levels, which is crucial for managing conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis and transfusion hemosiderosis. By eliminating the need for patients to hold their breath during scans, the study aims to enhance the accuracy of liver iron quantification, making it more accessible for children and adults who struggle with breath-holding. The methodology involves advanced MRI imaging techniques that can capture data without the interference of respiratory motion, thus providing reliable results for better clinical management of iron overload. This non-invasive approach seeks to improve patient comfort while ensuring precise measurements of liver iron concentration.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with hereditary hemochromatosis or cancer patients who have undergone multiple blood transfusions and are at risk for iron overload.

Not a fit: Patients without iron overload conditions or those who do not require liver iron quantification may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and comfortable assessments of liver iron levels, improving treatment outcomes for patients with iron overload conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Similar research has shown promise in improving MRI techniques for various applications, but this specific approach to free-breathing liver iron quantification is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Stony Brook, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.