Investigating heart tissue scarring using advanced MRI techniques
Official title: Assessing myocardial fibrosis with spin locked MRI
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11073890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new MRI method to better see heart scarring, which can help doctors understand heart diseases without needing special dyes, and it aims to improve how we monitor and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $756,947 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL178117-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with known or suspected myocardial fibrosis or other cardiac conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any cardiac issues or those who do not have access to advanced MRI technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding myocardial fibrosis, a condition that can indicate various heart diseases. By utilizing a new MRI technique called spin locking or T1rho imaging, the study aims to assess heart tissue scarring more effectively without the use of contrast agents like gadolinium. The research will involve preclinical models to evaluate different MRI methods and their ability to predict myocardial fibrosis. This could lead to better monitoring of heart conditions and treatment responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive method to better diagnose and monitor heart diseases, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced MRI techniques for cardiac assessment, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dibella, Edward Vr — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Dibella, Edward Vr
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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.