Using ultrasound to assess lung diseases like pulmonary edema and fibrosis

Quantitative Ultrasound for Interstitial Lung Diseases

NIH-funded research North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-10945844

This study is looking at how low-quality ultrasound can help check the severity of lung problems like fluid buildup from heart failure and lung scarring, aiming to offer a safer and cheaper way to monitor these conditions without the radiation from X-rays or CT scans.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Raleigh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10945844 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to explore the use of low-quality ultrasound (LQUS) technology to evaluate the severity of lung conditions such as pulmonary edema caused by heart failure and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. By developing a method that allows for real-time, non-invasive monitoring of these conditions, the research seeks to provide a safer alternative to traditional imaging techniques like chest X-rays and CT scans, which can expose patients to radiation and are often costly. The study will involve human patients to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, focusing on creating reliable biomarkers for lung health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pulmonary edema or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Not a fit: Patients with lung diseases that do not involve pulmonary edema or fibrosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective monitoring of lung diseases, improving patient care and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound in lung assessment is challenging, there is potential for success based on preliminary findings in similar areas, though this specific approach is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Raleigh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.