Understanding blood vessel issues in lipedema
Official title: Visualizing vascular mechanisms of lipedema
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11264614 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to better understand lipedema, a condition that causes unusual fat buildup in the legs, by using special MRI scans and simple tests to help improve how it's diagnosed and treated for people who often struggle with pain and emotional challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | January 25, 2025 |
| Project end | March 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $467,802 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL157378-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11264614 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with lipedema, particularly those experiencing significant symptoms such as pain and swelling in the lower extremities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have lipedema or those whose symptoms are solely related to obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve the understanding of lipedema, a condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in the lower body, by using advanced MRI techniques to visualize vascular and molecular dysfunction. The study will combine these imaging methods with portable clinical assessments of body fat and swelling to better characterize the disease. By identifying the unique features of lipedema, the research seeks to enhance diagnosis and treatment options for affected individuals, who often face significant pain and psychological distress due to misdiagnosis and inadequate care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients suffering from lipedema.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using advanced imaging techniques to differentiate lipedema from obesity, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crescenzi, Rachelle L — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Crescenzi, Rachelle L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Kinesio Taping Added to Standard Care for Women with Lipedema
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-
Comparison of body composition in lipedema and obesity
This study tests whether women with lipedema have different segmental body fat and muscle distribution compared with BMI-matched women without lipedema.
-
Comparison of Different Exercise Protocols for Lipedema
This study tests whether high‑intensity interval training or moderate‑intensity continuous training improves function, strength, and quality of life in adults with lipedema.
-
taVNS-enriched rehab for lipedema
This study tests whether adding transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) to standard rehabilitation helps people with lipedema reduce symptoms.
-
Manual and self-lymphatic drainage with exercise for lipedema
This study tests whether manual lymph drainage plus supervised exercise works better than self-lymph drainage plus guided activity for reducing pain and improving function in women with lipedema over six weeks.
-
Turkish version of the Duke Activity Status Index in women with lipedema
This study tests whether the Turkish Duke Activity Status Index accurately and consistently measures functional capacity in women with lipedema.
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.