At the center of what we do:
SALT Lab centers around capabilities to image sodium, adipose, and lymphatics using noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for translational research. Current research projects focus on defining the complex relationship between sodium and lymphatic clearance in understudied vascular diseases of lymphedema and lipedema. We are also evaluating potential radiologic screening tools for salt sensitive blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease that implicates sodium dysregulation. SALT imaging developments are ongoing with the help of collaborators for preclinical and clinical applications at high-field 3T, 7T, 9.4T, and 15T MRI systems. The SALT Lab has greatly benefited from a diversity of education and social backgrounds. We learn from patients and collaborators. We strive to foster a welcoming and diverse lab culture that translates into innovation and inclusivity in research and healthcare.
Learn how we’re using MRI to better distinguish lipedema from obesity, and drive informed patient care!
Salt and Blood Pressure
Find out how SALT imaging could translate into a test for salt sensitive blood pressure!
Lymphedema
Imaging Sodium and Lymphatics in Lymphedema
Recent evidence supports lymphatic regulation of tissue sodium handling, however fundamental gaps persist in knowledge regarding the role of lymphatics in human diseases of sodium dysregulation. The goal of this work is to apply novel, noninvasive imaging tools to measure relationships between lymphatic function and tissue sodium in patients with well-characterized lymphedema. Findings are intended to inform mechanisms of lymphatic clearance of tissue sodium, and provide novel imaging biomarkers of lymphedema progression and treatment response.
Lipedema
This work will address clinical unmet needs for patients with lipedema using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods, in sequence with portable clinical tools. We are testing fundamental hypotheses about objective screening tools, lymphatic therapy, and vascular dysfunction in patients with lipedema.
Salt & Blood Presure
Salt sensitive blood pressure (SSBP) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Determining a person's salt sensitivity requires lengthy dietary protocols that are not practical in the clinic, and provide limited information about the mechanisms of salt sensitivity. The aims of this study are to improve our understanding of vascular mechanisms of human salt storage, and to evaluate potential radiologic biomarkers for SSBP.
