Understanding factors that predict growth in brain aneurysms
Official title: Investigation of the quantitative intracranial aneurysm wall enhancement and geometric features associated with aneurysm volume growth
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10899533 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain features of unruptured brain aneurysms can help doctors figure out which ones might grow or burst, so they can better protect patients by focusing on those at higher risk, and you might get a special MRI scan to help with this research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $480,678 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162743-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899533 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diagnosed unruptured intracranial aneurysms, particularly those smaller than 7mm.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ruptured aneurysms or those without any diagnosed aneurysms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain features of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), such as their wall enhancement and geometric characteristics, can help predict which aneurysms are likely to grow and potentially rupture. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify small aneurysms that may be at higher risk, even if they are below the current treatment threshold. The goal is to improve patient outcomes by enabling more targeted interventions for those at greatest risk. Patients may undergo specialized MRI scans to assess their aneurysms as part of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and treatment of high-risk aneurysms, potentially preventing life-threatening ruptures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that identifying growth in aneurysms significantly correlates with rupture risk, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Chengcheng — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Chengcheng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how brain aneurysm walls and shape change over time
This project studies how small brain aneurysms grow and whether MRI features of the aneurysm wall and its shape can predict growth so doctors can better decide when treatment is needed.
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Predicting brain aneurysm growth with advanced 4D MRI and tensor math
A research project uses 4D flow MRI and new math models to predict how brain aneurysms grow over time, helping doctors decide on safer treatments for people with UIAs.
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How aging and aged (senescent) cells may cause brain aneurysm rupture
This research tests whether removing aging 'senescent' cells can lower the chance that a brain aneurysm will burst for people with intracranial aneurysms.
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Reprogramming blood-vessel lining cells in inherited brain aneurysms
This project aims to find out whether fixing gene-related changes in the cells that line brain arteries can lower aneurysm risk in people with a family history.
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How tiny cell structures (podosomes) may weaken brain arteries and cause aneurysms
Testing whether podosomes — small structures inside blood vessel cells — make brain arteries weaker and raise the risk of aneurysm rupture for people with or at risk of brain aneurysms.
-
How cells' cleanup of vessel attachments may affect brain aneurysms
This project looks at whether a cellular cleanup process in blood‑vessel lining cells weakens brain arteries and contributes to aneurysms in people at risk for intracranial aneurysm.
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.