Non-contrast MRI to detect knee joint inflammation in osteoarthritis
Novel Non-Contrast MRI to Assess Synovitis in Osteoarthritis
Testing a new MRI scan that doesn't use contrast dye to find inflamed joint lining in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310782 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I join, I'll get a new MRI that does not require gadolinium contrast to look for inflamed synovial tissue in my knee. The research team will use advanced MRI measures of tissue relaxation and diffusion and compare those images to standard contrast-enhanced MRI and clinical findings, and may use tissue samples to confirm results. They will image people with knee osteoarthritis over time and before/after treatments to see if the scan can track inflammation and early disease changes. This approach aims to be faster, lower-cost, and safer for people who cannot receive contrast dye.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with knee osteoarthritis—especially those with knee pain or suspected synovitis and patients who cannot receive gadolinium contrast—would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without knee osteoarthritis, those with other primary joint disorders, or those needing only structural cartilage imaging may not benefit from this imaging approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could allow doctors to find and monitor synovial inflammation in knee OA without contrast dye, improving diagnosis and treatment tracking.
How similar studies have performed: Contrast-enhanced MRI is the current standard, and some early non-contrast MRI methods have shown promise but remain novel and not yet widely validated for synovitis in OA.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kogan, Feliks — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Kogan, Feliks
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.