Ultrasound markers to measure Crohn’s disease activity
Official title: Ultrasound Imaging Biomarkers of Crohn's Disease
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11445984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Mayo Clinic team is testing new 3D ultrasound methods to reliably track inflammation and scarring in Crohn’s disease using safe, affordable imaging that could replace more costly scans.
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 | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $694,443 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK145458-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Crohn’s disease who are undergoing evaluation or monitoring and consent to participate in the imaging studies and tissue comparison.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not scheduled for surgery or not undergoing tissue pathology may not directly benefit from the pathology comparison.
What this research studies
This project develops a multi-parameter ultrasound approach that combines B-mode imaging, advanced microvessel imaging, and echo statistical features to assess Crohn’s disease activity. Researchers will create and test new algorithms to improve microvessel flow measurements and add a 3D imaging capability on both a commercial scanner and a research platform. They will compare ultrasound findings with surgical pathology in about 80 patients to see how well the imaging reflects inflammation and fibrosis, aiming for results that promote broader clinical use. The work includes integrating the imaging tool as an add-on on existing devices to facilitate adoption in routine care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive safer, cheaper, and more accessible monitoring of Crohn’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior ultrasound approaches have shown promise for inflammatory bowel disease, but this study advances 3D and multiplier-parameter imaging for stronger correlation with pathology.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shigao — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shigao
Related research
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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.