Using advanced imaging to identify salvageable brain tissue in hemorrhagic stroke.
Official title: MRS DITCH - Magnetic Resonance Selection with DIffusion Tensor Imaging in Cerebral Hemorrhage
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11036304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can find and help areas of the brain that are damaged by bleeding but might still be saved with quick treatment, using special MRI scans to see which patients with brain hemorrhages could benefit from surgery to improve their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $230,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS136970-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced an intracerebral hemorrhage and are at risk of further brain damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already sustained irreversible brain damage or those with conditions that preclude surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the concept of a 'mechanical penumbra' in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which refers to areas of the brain that are under pressure and at risk of permanent damage but may still be saved if treated promptly. By utilizing diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a specialized MRI technique, the study aims to assess the structural integrity of critical brain areas, particularly the internal capsule, which is essential for motor function. The goal is to better select patients who could benefit from interventions like hematoma evacuation, potentially improving their long-term outcomes. The research will involve analyzing imaging data to identify which patients have salvageable brain tissue surrounding the hemorrhage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with brain hemorrhages, enhancing recovery and functional outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using advanced imaging techniques in stroke care has shown promise in ischemic strokes, the application of this method to intracerebral hemorrhage is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koch, Sebastian — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Koch, Sebastian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
-
SATURN MRI ancillary study: statins after intracerebral hemorrhage and brain MRI markers
This study looks at what happens to brain MRI markers and health outcomes when people with a specific type of brain bleed continue or stop taking statins.
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Statin use after brain bleed MRI study in ICH patients (SATURN MRI) Ancillary Study
This project tests whether continuing or stopping statin therapy after an intracerebral hemorrhage affects brain changes seen on MRI and related health outcomes in people with lobar ICH.
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Statin use after brain bleed: SATURN MRI ancillary study
This project tests whether continuing statin medicines after a brain bleed (lobar intracerebral hemorrhage) affects new brain blood vessel findings and long-term health.
-
Maternal Postpartum Monitoring with a Wearable Sensor (MOMS)
A wearable system called MOMS will continuously monitor multiple physiological signals in pregnant people to detect postpartum hemorrhage earlier than standard vital signs.
-
Anticoagulation in ICH Survivors with Atrial Fibrillation and Small Vessel Disease
This project looks at how to safely use blood-thinning medicines in people who survived a brain bleed and also have atrial fibrillation and small vessel disease.
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.