Using spin-lock MRI to detect and measure heart scarring without contrast
Assessing myocardial fibrosis with spin locked MRI
Researchers aim to use a new MRI method called T1rho to find and measure heart scarring without gadolinium contrast for people with or at risk for heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300173 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is developing a non-contrast MRI technique (spin-lock or T1rho) to spot and quantify scarring in the heart. They will compare different T1rho implementations and standard MRI methods using preclinical models that mimic diffuse and focal fibrosis. The researchers will look at factors that can change results—like imaging artifacts, age, and sex—and combine multiple MRI measures to improve prediction of fibrosis. The ultimate goal is a reliable way to image fibrosis without needing gadolinium contrast, which could later be used in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with suspected or known myocardial scarring—such as those with heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or prior heart attack—or those at risk for cardiac fibrosis would be most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot undergo MRI (for example due to MRI-incompatible implants, severe claustrophobia, or unstable medical conditions) are unlikely to benefit directly from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow reliable detection and monitoring of heart scarring without gadolinium contrast, helping earlier diagnosis and treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Conventional contrast MRI (late gadolinium enhancement) reliably detects focal scar, while T1rho is a newer approach with promising but variable preclinical and early human results and not yet standardized.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dibella, Edward Vr — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Dibella, Edward Vr
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.