MRI mapping of how the brain uses oxygen
Development and Validation of MRI Mapping of Brain Oxygen Metabolism for Clinical Use
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11471737
A new MRI scan that measures how much oxygen different parts of the brain use is being developed for people with stroke, Alzheimer's, or other brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11471737 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating a noninvasive MRI method that maps the brain's oxygen extraction without special breathing challenges or tracers. The technique uses a routine MRI sequence combined with quantitative susceptibility modeling to estimate deoxygenated hemoglobin levels. They plan to compare and validate the MRI maps against the current reference standard (15O PET) to confirm accuracy. The goal is to make a fast, widely available test that can be used on standard MRI scanners.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with acute or chronic brain conditions such as stroke, suspected brain ischemia, or neurodegenerative disorders who can safely undergo MRI (and possibly PET) scans are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without brain disorders or those who cannot safely have MRI (for example, due to incompatible implants or severe claustrophobia) are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give doctors a widely available tool to spot areas of the brain that are not getting enough oxygen and guide treatment or monitor recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous MRI approaches to measure brain oxygen use have had limited sensitivity and complex acquisition needs, so this single-sequence, challenge-free method is promising but remains novel and requires validation against 15O PET.
Where this research is happening
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES
- GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHO, JUNGHUN — GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CHO, JUNGHUN
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.