MRI scans to detect artery and eye inflammation in giant cell arteritis
Establishing orbital and cranial vessel wall MRI enhancement as an imaging biomarker in giant cell arteritis
This work uses combined orbital and cranial vessel-wall MRI to find artery and eye inflammation in people with giant cell arteritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231724 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I join, I'll get a combined orbital and cranial vessel-wall MRI in a single 35-minute scan to look for inflammation in the arteries that supply my eyes and head. The researchers will compare my MRI results with symptoms, blood tests, and how I respond to treatment over time to see whether the scans match disease activity. Their goal is to develop a reliable imaging sign of ocular and cranial inflammation so doctors can make better treatment decisions. The project uses standardized MRI techniques and scheduled follow-up visits to test the imaging across people with GCA.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with giant cell arteritis—especially those with current or recent visual symptoms or at risk for ocular involvement—would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without GCA or whose disease is already inactive and well-controlled are unlikely to gain direct benefit from the imaging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could give doctors an objective way to detect eye and cranial artery inflammation so treatments can be tailored and unnecessary long-term steroid exposure reduced.
How similar studies have performed: Previous vessel-wall MRI studies have shown promise, but adding dedicated orbital imaging to cranial vessel-wall MRI is relatively new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rhee, Rennie — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rhee, Rennie
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.