MRI mapping of tiny liver changes
in vivo MR characterization of pathological changes in liver microstructures
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11261216
Using advanced MRI scans to detect inflammation and tiny structural changes in the livers of people with fatty liver disease, including NASH.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261216 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses advanced MRI techniques that track how water moves in liver tissue to estimate cell size and cell density as signs of inflammation. Researchers will refine a multi-compartment diffusion MRI method and compare imaging findings with clinical data and biopsy when available. The work aims to develop imaging markers that could reduce the need for invasive liver biopsies. Studies will be run at Vanderbilt with patients who have or are suspected to have fatty liver disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or suspected NASH, especially those with obesity or type 2 diabetes or who are being considered for liver biopsy, would be the best fit.
Not a fit: People without liver disease, or those with very advanced scarring (cirrhosis) where imaging signals are dominated by fibrosis, may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow people with fatty liver disease to get a noninvasive MRI test to detect inflammation instead of having a biopsy.
How similar studies have performed: MRI tools like PDFF and elastography reliably measure fat and fibrosis, but imaging methods to detect liver inflammation are newer and not yet proven in large clinical trials.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JIANG, XIAOYU — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: JIANG, XIAOYU
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus