Radiation-Free Technique for Evaluating Renal Scarring (RAFTERS)

Starting soon · Phase 1

Conditions studied: Vesico-Ureteral Reflux

In brief

In this research study the investigators want to study a safe, radiation-free technique known as contrast-enhanced ultrasound that may improve the ability to diagnose or evaluate renal scarring compared to regular ultrasound. This technique requires injection into a vein of a small amount of contrast material called Lumason. Contrast material is a type of dye that helps the investigators image the structures in the body more clearly. If this technique is successful, the need for DMSA studies may be avoided to diagnose or evaluate kidney scarring. DMSA is a more expensive test, causes radiation exposure, may require sedation and/or injection of contrast agents with the potential to cause allergic reactions.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03653702

Run by

Boston Children's Hospital

People needed

70

Starts

2027-07-01

Expected to finish

2029-07-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-22

Who can join

Age: 1 and older, up to 35. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• patients older than or equal to 6 months and less than or equal to 35 years old and scheduled for Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) DMSA scan to evaluate renal function and/or renal scarring

You may not qualify if…

• patients with significant congenital renal anatomical abnormalities including horseshoe kidney, kidney malrotation, and multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). Patients with severe cardio-pulmonary diseases will also be excluded.

Where it is running

• Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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