[ Non-Invasive Assessment of Bladder Wall Remodeling in Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Using Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting ]

At a glance

Study details

Study type

[ e.g. Observational cohort study ]

Where

[ e.g. Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI ]

Funding

• [ Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction Research Network ]
• [ National Institutes of Health (NIH) 1R01DK145495-01A1 ]

Scanning Since

[ November 2025 ]

About the study

[ Non-Invasive MRI Techniques for SCI Patients with NLUTD ]

[ Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is a common sequala of many neurological conditions that affects over 80% of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), significantly impairing quality of life and potentially leading to renal failure and death. Current diagnostic methods (particularly urodynamic studies) are invasive, not widely available, lack reproducibility, and cannot assess the underlying bladder wall tissue remodeling that drives disease progression. This project will develop and validate a Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) imaging technique for rapid, quantitative, high-resolution 3D tissue characterization of the bladder wall, providing objective biomarkers that will enable non-invasive stratification and guide personalized management for NLUTD. ]

1. Aim 1

   [ In Aim 1, we will enroll 80 healthy volunteers to optimize the proposed bladder Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) imaging technology and establish normative reference ranges for quantitative MRF biomarkers. A subset of 15 subjects will undergo two contrast-enhanced research MRI exams approximately one week apart to assess repeatability; the remaining 65 subjects will undergo a single exam. ]

2. Aim 2

   [ In Aim 2, we will enroll 120 adult patients with NLUTD secondary to SCI for a contrast-enhanced research MRI exam to develop a predictive model using MRF biomarkers to identify high-risk NLUTD phenotypes, defined by poor bladder compliance as measured by urodynamics. Eligible patients must have undergone clinical fluoroscopic urodynamic studies (FUDS) within 12 months of the research MRI ]

3. Aim 3

   [ In Aim 3, we will enroll 80 additional adult patients with NLUTD secondary to SCI for a contrast-enhanced research MRI exam to prospectively validate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of MRF. As in Aim 2, eligible patients will have undergone clinical FUDS within 12 months of the research MRI. Participants will be followed for 12 months for evidence of clinical progression, defined by new or worsening hydronephrosis, escalation in bladder management, or need for surgical intervention. ]

Recruitment

Our recruitment goal

Who can take part

Eligibility

[ The study team makes the final decision about who can take part. Taking part is always voluntary. ]