Ultrashort-echo MRI for clearer images of lower back discs
Ultrashort Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc.
This project uses a new MRI method to produce chemistry-sensitive pictures of lumbar discs for people with disc degeneration or chronic low back pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312574 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my viewpoint as a patient, the team is building a 3D MRI technique (called ultrashort echo time or UTE) to get clearer pictures of the lower back discs. The scans are designed to show the disc's chemistry by mapping proteoglycans in the center, collagen in the outer ring, and how well the endplates let nutrients through. The work is non-invasive and done with advanced MRI sequences at UC San Diego, which may involve one or more in-person scan visits. The goal is to catch biochemical disc changes earlier than standard MRI can.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with chronic low back pain or known lumbar disc degeneration who can safely undergo MRI scans.
Not a fit: People without disc-related back pain, those whose symptoms come from non-disc causes, or anyone with contraindications to MRI (for example certain implanted devices) would likely not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If it works, this imaging could help doctors detect early disc degeneration and guide treatment before irreversible damage occurs.
How similar studies have performed: Related advanced MRI methods have shown promising early results for detecting biochemical changes in discs, but these specific 3D UTE-based mappings are relatively new and still being refined.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Yajun — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Ma, Yajun
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.