Thoracic Radiology

General Information

P.O. Box 208042 New Haven, CT 06520-8042 Admin Assistant, Susan Finkle

Phone: Fax:

203-785-5913 203-785-3061

The Thoracic Imaging Section consists of a group of thoracic and cardiothoracic radiologists who are nationally and internationally recognized experts in the field of chest imaging. The section provides a full range of diagnostic examinations for Yale New-Haven Hospital and its satellite centers, including inpatient and outpatient chest radiography (CR), computed tomography (CT) of the thorax, high-resolution chest CT (HRCT), low dose lung cancer screening chest CT (LDCT), and thoracic MR imaging (MRI). We also provide expert subspecialty interpretation of outside imaging tests for patients transferred from other facilities.

Clinical information:

The thoracic radiologists at Yale are both nationally and internationally recognized experts in thoracic imaging. Our group of dedicated thoracic radiologists provide clinical expertise in all aspects of lung disorders, including: interstitial lung disease, pulmonary infections, primary and secondary thoracic malignancies, mediastinal masses, pleural disease, occupational disorders, emphysema, as well as diseases affecting the large and small airways (such as asthma, bronchiectasis, tracheomalacia). Being a tertiary care referral center, our faculty also provides near 24-hour sub-specialty coverage for a wide variety of complex inpatient imaging exams.

We work closely with our clinical colleagues, participating in several weekly interdisciplinary conferences (such as tumor board, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer conference). We have an active consultation service and work closely with the clinical services of Yale New-Haven Hospital including pulmonary and critical care medicine, thoracic and general oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, cardiology, general medicine and infectious disease.

Our highly sophisticated and cutting-edge technology includes 12 CT scanners, three of which Dual energy scanners ( 2 x 192 slices) and one 128 slice scanner. Our MR imaging is equipped with four 3.0T (Siemens Verio and Skyra) and three 1.5T (Siemens Avanto, Espree, and Aera) scanners within Yale-New Haven Hospital, one off-site 1.5T (GE HD) scanner in a nearby facility, and three 3T (Siemens, 2 Skyra and 1 Vida) scanner at a separate off-site facilities. In addition, we have a 1.5T (Siemens, Aera) and 3.0T (Siemens, Vida) at Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus.

Research Directions

The thoracic section takes part in cutting-edge research and clinical trials, including those pertaining to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and lung cancer. Members of the section are productive academically with publications in the radiologic literature and have authored several book chapters. Our esteemed faculty continuous lecture at major national scientific meetings and serve on national and international committees.

Our radiologists are active members and contributors in the Society of Thoracic Radiology, International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group, American College of Radiology, American Roentgen Ray Society, American Board of Radiology, and Radiologic Society of North America.

Research interests in the section include: interstitial lung disease, small and large airway disease, quality assessment and improvement, intensive care imaging, pulmonary nodule management, pulmonary embolism, and lung cancer screening.

Education content

The thoracic imaging section is an academic division that is dedicated to teaching thoracic imaging to Yale medical students, residents, and clinicians. The department of radiology also hosts visiting students and physicians from other institutions locally, nationally and internationally. The cardiothoracic imaging fellowship encompasses 6 months of dedicated training in thoracic imaging and 6 months of dedicated training in cardiac imaging. The section takes part in daily clinical-radiologic teaching rounds as well as weekly multidisciplinary conferences.