MRI research funded to detect sickle cell brain injuries in children

Researchers at Evelina London and King's College London have received funding from the Royal College of Radiologists for a new project to improve MRI detection of sickle cell disease-related brain injury in children.

The project will use a cutting-edge ultra-high field 7T MRI scanner based at St Thomas' Hospital to get detailed images of participants’ brains. This will allow them to explore advanced techniques for detecting brain injuries related to sickle cell disease.

People with sickle cell disease produce unusually shaped red blood cells, which can block and inflame arteries in the brain, leading to tiny strokes which accumulate over time.

Very small strokes may not be visible on standard MRI scans and can damage children's developing brains. This can lead to significant thinking and movement difficulties by the time they reach adulthood.

The 7T scanner can create significantly more detailed images than a standard scan, including showing the blood flow in tiny arteries which would usually be invisible on hospital scanners.

The project aims to create tools to allow brain injuries to be diagnosed and treated earlier, and to help test new sickle cell disease medicines.

Dr Jon Cleary, adjunct senior lecturer at King’s College London and consultant neuroradiologist at Guy’s and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, is part of the research team. He said: "Sickle cell is a debilitating condition in great need of further research. This exciting study is a collaborative effort between experts from children’s neuroradiology, haematology, neurology and imaging science to bring advanced MRI to children with sickle cell for the first time This should make it much easier to see the tiny strokes and narrowed blood vessels affecting these children, ultimately allowing us to provide earlier and more tailored treatments."

Professor Ming Lim, Evelina London's research lead and consultant paediatric neurologist at Evelina London Children's Hospital, said: "At Evelina London, part of Guy’s and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, we’re very proud to be delivering world-leading research using the 7T MRI brain scanner, a next generation imaging tool. Our expert research teams drive ground-breaking studies like these that enhance care for children and young people, contributing valuable insights to support the development of new or more targeted treatments."