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Research
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| Radiology Informatics |
MR Research |
| PET Research |
Radiological Imaging Research |
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 Radiology Informatics
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An expert team of engineers and programmers comprise the informatics team, which is responsible for imaging informatics applications, teleradiology and digital information workflow. In addition, the division is world-renowned for its design, implementation, support, and evaluation of picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) and related technologies.
Notably, the informatics team developed the technology behind iSite (formerly known as Stentor), a leading PACS provider. In 1998, the division invented a software product that made it possible to view medical images electronically over ordinary networks of personal computers, while preserving the images’ integrity. This novel technology enhanced patient care, providing physicians and other health care workers with efficient, convenient, and affordable access to medical records. Stentor was acquired by Royal Philips Electronics, but the division continues its role in creating and validating the fundamental designs of the iSite system. The informatics division continues to develop and implement various enhancements for the PACS that greatly benefit clinical imaging workflow. The team also continues the innovative streak by leading UPMC into the next era of PACS with applications such as Advanced Visualization (3D/4D imaging) and teleradiology. | 
Rasu Shrestha, MD, MBA
Medical Director of Informatics
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Radiology
Division Contact Information:
3459 5th Avenue, Suite N421
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Ph: (412) 692-4461
shresthab@upmc.edu
CMT Suite 4895
Ph: (412) 647-3550
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MR Research
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The MR Research Center, widely regarded as one of the nation’s finest MR research facilities, is dedicated to the development and application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for medical and biological research. The center is forging new paths in the use of functional MRI to study the brain’s sensory, cognitive, and motor function. The center has recently developed an optical imaging laboratory—optical imaging can be used simultaneously with MR and other imaging modalities to glean more specific functional information. Multi-modality imaging is a major focus, and the MR Research Center and PET Center will soon begin working collaboratively on PET/MR studies, as a PET insert for the MR scanners was recently secured through an NIH grant. Other active grant work in the center includes researching neuronal pathways connecting different areas of the brain, the effects of psychiatric drugs on brain metabolism, and surgical mapping.
The MR Research Center contains two new 3T magnets, and a 7T MR system. The 7T MR is one of the few of its kind in the country, and has enabled the research program to achieve a new depth of functional brain study. In the short time since its acquisition, the 7T has already been instrumental in evaluating brain tumors, and in measuring the pharmacologic levels of drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders, such as depression and bipolar disease.
In addition, the center houses RF and biochemistry laboratories and an extensive network of Silicon Graphics and Sun workstations. While the center’s main facility is UPMC Presbyterian, a satellite facility is located in the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine in the South Side area of Pittsburgh, which contains one of the world’s few 9.4T MR magnets.
Investigators from many different institutions and groups in the Pittsburgh research community, such as Carnegie Mellon University and the Pittsburgh NMR Center for Biomedical Research, utilize the center. | 
Fernando Boada, PhD
Director
Professor of Radiology
Division Contact Information:
UPMC, MR Research Center
PUH B-804
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Ph: (412) 647-9706
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PET Research
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The PET Research Center is a world-class facility, most recently famous for producing Pittsburgh Compound B, a revolutionary amyloid imaging agent that detects plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. GE Healthcare has licensed the compound, which scientists are currently testing in clinical trials. The center remains very active in Alzheimer’s disease research, particularly in studying disease progression and pre-symptomatic markers.
Other active areas of interest and study include neuroreceptor imaging in depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. In the area of oncology, PET Research faculty are working with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute to develop next-generation oncologic imaging agents.
Another multi-department, major study, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, examines the efficacy of drug therapy in TB patients using a prototype microPET/CT. The multi-modality approach of the TB study is reflective of the overall direction of the center’s research program—to utilize the strengths of different modalities to answer different aspects of the same research question. To that end, the PET Center faculty were instrumental in securing a recent NIH grant for a PET insert for MR, and PET/MR studies are on the horizon.
UPMC Presbyterian houses the PET Center with its dedicated research staff, including chemists and physicists who engage in collaborative projects with investigators in the departments of neurology, psychiatry, pathology, urology, and the aforementioned University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, among others.
The PET Center operates three PET scanners, including two CTI ECAT HR+ scanners and a microPET P4. The center also has an extensive radiochemistry laboratory, cyclotron and computer facilities. The center is currently planning for the upcoming acquisition of a new, upgraded cyclotron that will increase compound yields by 50 percent. | 
Chester Mathis, PhD
Director
Professor of Radiology
Vice Chairman of Research, Department of Radiology
Division Contact Information:
UPMC, PET Center
PUH B-932
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Ph: (412) 647-0736
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Radiological Imaging Research
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The radiological imaging research division is involved in a number of projects aimed at evaluating and improving imaging procedures in a clinical environment. The division’s experienced research faculty provides expertise in radiological physics and computer and information science, as well as evaluation of diagnostic systems and clinical practices.
The group has engaged in a number of collaborative projects with the women’s imaging division, the largest clinical division in the Department of Radiology. Projects have included assessment of a full-field digital mammography system and the effect of computer-aided detection on diagnosis in screening for early detection of breast cancer.
This division’s research findings have resulted in numerous basic and applied publications and presentations in every major radiology journal and at society meeting, such as the annual RSNA. The International Society for Optical Engineering has also taken a particular interest in the group’s work, and the division members have presented a large number of papers at the society’s annual meetings. | 
David Gur, ScD
Director
Professor of Radiology
Executive Vice Chairman,
Department of Radiology
Division Contact Information:
Rad Imaging Research
FARP 222
3362 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Ph: (412) 641-2565
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