Radiology

Associated Cores

Research in Radiology relies on state-of-the-art technology and expertise to optimize the performance of such equipment, provide quality control, and generate robust research data. Our cores offer services by modern instruments operated by highly trained Radiology personnel.

 

Data Storage, Processing and Analysis (DaSPA) 

iPACS

  • iPACS provides a HIPAA-compliant PACS system for archiving clinical and preclinical research imaging studies
  • The installed and supported iPACS system is a web-based, secure, project-oriented resource available to Faculty researchers in Radiology and their collaborators
  • Also has the capability of performing customized de-identification of images acquired in clinical trials to preserve patient confidentiality

ANSIR

The Advanced NeuroScience Imaging Research (ANSIR) lab dataset processing provides:

  • Fully automated analysis of neuro MRI data including structural analysis using SPM and Freesurfer, task and resting state fMRI processing, Diffusion Tensor image processing, automated FLAIR white matter lesion segmentation, Arterial Spin Label MRI processing, and quantitative susceptibility mapping.
  • Project-specific XNAT database storage allowing retrieval and queries of imaging and metadata
  • Clinical alerts without a formal report can be provided for incidental findings
  • Additional custom project-specific services may be available following consultation and based on resource availability

IM4T

  • Imaging Metrics for Trials (IM4T) provides centralized image analysis for clinical trials across the institution including tumor response criteria (e.g., Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST]) and other quantitative image biomarkers.
  • Management of this core is facilitated using the MINT Lesion® software, which incorporates both imaging and workflow management into its platform
Magnetoencephalography 

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

  • State-of-the-art technology mapping brain function
  • Most advanced MEG technology currently available, and the only MEG scanner in Dallas
  • Clinical utilization
    • Pre-surgical test to plan procedures, particularly in patients with epilepsy
    • Research utilization
    • Used in psychology, neurology, radiology, and other departments
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Core 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI Core

The Magnetic Resonance (MR) core is established to facilitate research and development within the Department of Radiology and collaborating departments in the field of MR imaging (MRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS). The MR core consists of a start-of-the-art whole-body human scanner (Philips Ingenia 3T MR) and a small animal Desktop scanner (Aspect 1T MR). Philips Ingenia is a state-of-the-art MR scanner that includes dual-transmit and digital architecture for signal reception. This scanner enables the development and evaluation of new MRI/MRS techniques for improved diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiology of disease. Aspect 1T scanner enables sequential imaging of small animals (e.g. mice and rats), without sacrificing them, for longitudinal monitoring of disease progression and/or therapy response. Being cited next to the small animal PET/CT and SPECT/CT scanners, this allows superposition of images for multimodality analysis.

Click here to explore more about the MR Core.

Radiology Manufacturing 

3D Modeling and Printing

  • An in-house resource for developing both virtual and physical models, for basic and translational research support
  • Flagship technology is a high-end 3D printer (Project 3510HDplus, 3D systems) which prints full density, gas-sterilizable models with sub-millimeter resolution
  • Also has a lower cost 3D printer used for high-volume projects where there are less constraints on dimensional precision
  • In addition to printing, the core maintains access to a variety of analysis and design software, and provides the services of engineering and machining staff with expertise in device design and manufacturing, finite element simulations, and medical image-based modelling
Translational Molecular Imaging 

Translational Molecular Imaging Core (TMIC)

Our cyclotron and radiochemistry facility is approved for CGMP production of PET radiopharmaceuticals for human use.

  • The facility includes a GE PETtrace 880 cyclotron and ancillary instruments
  • Currently capable of producing 6 radioisotopes and >30 radiotracers in addition to the FDA-approved tracers
  • A regulatory office in the Department of Radiology facilitates Investigational New Drug (IND) and Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA) approval of radiotracers.

A GE Discovery IQ five ring PET/CT dedicated to research is available on the NE2 building, in close proximity to our cyclotron facility. This state-of-the-art digital time-of-flight (TOF) PET/CT scanner provides a 26 cm axial field of view with the highest noise equivalent count rate (NECR) of the commercially available PET/CT scanners and high NEMA sensitivity (22cps/kBq2). The five-ring system facilitates faster anatomic coverage for whole body PET/CT studies. It has both respiratory and cardiac gating capabilities. A dedicated software package (Dynamic Vue) for quantitative analysis of PET data, including 4D PET datasets, is available.

The Siemens Inveon PET/CT Multimodality System (NE3.116) is a small animal PET/CT imaging scanner built on the Siemens Inveon acquisition architecture, which fully integrates PET and CT into a common data acquisition system for automatic transition between modes and seamless coordination of CT and PET data acquisition

  • Development and implementation of imaging protocols in a range of disease models (e.g., cancer, diabetes, metabolism, cardiotoxicity, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.)
  • Validation of novel imaging probe development, which ranges from small organic molecules to macromolecules including proteins and nanoparticles