Noninvasive imaging to assess kidney transplant health

Noninvasive assessment of renal fibrosis in kidney transplant recipients bymulti-contrast magnetic resonance imaging

NIH-funded research Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger · NIH-11054751

This study is testing a new MRI method to help doctors check for kidney scarring in people who have had a kidney transplant, so they can monitor kidney health without needing to do any painful biopsies.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11054751 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to noninvasively assess renal fibrosis in kidney transplant recipients. By combining diffusion-weighted imaging with magnetization transfer contrast, the study aims to enhance the detection of fibrosis without the need for invasive kidney biopsies. The approach also includes analyzing blood flow and microstructural integrity within the kidney, which could provide a comprehensive view of transplant health. This method could lead to better monitoring of kidney function over time, ultimately improving patient care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have received a kidney transplant and are at risk for chronic allograft dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone kidney transplantation or those with acute kidney issues unrelated to transplant may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective way to monitor kidney transplant health, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced MRI techniques for assessing organ health, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.