Noninvasive MRI test to measure liver and portal blood pressure
Official title: Noninvasive assessment of portal hypertension and hepatic interstitial pressure with advanced magnetic resonance elastography
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11292865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
An advanced MRI technique to measure pressure in the liver and portal circulation for people with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $345,420 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132718-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11292865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, especially those suspected to have portal hypertension and who can undergo MRI scans, would be the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without liver disease, those with MRI contraindications (for example certain implanted devices or severe claustrophobia), or pregnant patients may not benefit from or be eligible for this work.
What this research studies
This work uses a special form of MRI called 3D vector MR elastography to measure mechanical and fluid-related properties of the liver and spleen. Researchers will collect detailed MRI data to estimate tissue stiffness, compressibility, and other markers linked to portal hypertension. The goal is to replace or reduce the need for invasive catheter pressure measurements by providing reliable, operator-independent imaging biomarkers. If successful, the scans would be done at a hospital imaging center and interpreted by the research team to track disease and guide treatment decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get a safer, noninvasive way to detect and monitor portal hypertension, reducing the need for invasive pressure measurements.
How similar studies have gone: Previous MR elastography studies have shown promise in measuring liver stiffness and separating fibrosis from inflammation, but the full 3D vector approach for portal hypertension is novel and remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
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Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yin, Meng — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Yin, Meng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Noninvasive evaluation of liver pressure and health using advanced imaging techniques
This study is testing a new, painless way to check liver health and pressure using advanced imaging technology, which could help people with chronic liver disease get better and safer care without needing invasive procedures.
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Understanding how liver injury affects blood flow in portal hypertension
This study is looking into how liver damage affects blood flow in people with portal hypertension, focusing on certain proteins that help control blood flow, so we can better understand the condition and find new ways to treat it.
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.