Abdominal Imaging
The Abdominal Imaging Section consists of world class faculty who provide clinical expertise in abdominal and pelvic pathology across various imaging modalities. Equipped with highly sophisticated and cutting-edge technology, we provide comprehensive and advanced Body MR, Body CT and fluoroscopy (GI/GU) imaging services that encompass a full range of diseases in adults. We work closely with our clinical colleagues, participating in several weekly tumor boards (GI, GU, Liver donor, Pancreaticobiliary, Prostate, Liver tumor) and provide expert subspecialty outside interpretation reads for patients transferred from other facilities.
Clinical Information
The Body MRI service includes 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.
The Body CT service presently utilizes 12 CT scanners in total across various sites. These are composed of eight 64 slice scanners, three Dual energy scanners ( 2 x 192 slices) and one 128 slice scanner.
While the section specializes in all adult diseases that afflict the abdomen and pelvis, our clinical efforts are focused on high end oncology imaging, including, but not limited to the following: hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, gynecologic malignancies, prostate adenocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, adrenal neoplasms, small and large bowel neoplasms (including rectal adenocarcinoma) retroperitoneal sarcomas, urothelial neoplasms and lymphoma.
Some of our more common non-oncology work includes imaging of transplants, MR defecography, MR/CT enterography, MRI perianal fistula exams, evaluation of uterine anomalies, MR imaging for pregnant appendicitis, placental abnormalities, and benign biliary obstruction. We provide a broad spectrum of fluoroscopy exams at several facilities including esophagrams, upper GI series, small bowel follows, rectal enemas, loopograms and modified barium swallow studies. Being a tertiary care referral center, our faculty also provide near 24-hour sub-specialty coverage for a wide variety of complex inpatient imaging exams.
Virtual imaging studies (e.g. CT colonography), CT angiography (CTA) of the abdominal and pelvis, Dual Energy CTs and advanced MR imaging techniques such as MR elastography, Liver Iron and Fat Quantification are routinely performed.
Research Directions
- MRI Prostate
- PSMA PET
- Liver Tumors
- Liver disease
- LIRADS
- Pancreatic masses
- Gastrointestinal radiology
- Imaging of renal masses
- CTA for gastrointestinal bleeding
- The role of CT/MRI redefining adult anatomy
- Benign and malignant gynecologic masses
- 3-D imaging
- Technical evaluation of new CT/MRI systems
- Radiation dose reduction at CT scanning
- Contrast media (CT and MRI)
- Health services research
- Image processing
- Quality and safety (CT and MRI)
- Immune responses of minimally invasive therapies
- Imaging of immunotherapy
- AI and machine learning
Education
The Abdominal Imaging Section is a cornerstone to the teaching mandate of both the Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Residency programs. All residents rotate through the various services (Body CT, Body MR, GI/GU) and education takes place through daily readouts as well as a dedicated weekly conference with a curriculum which cycles on a 1-year basis.
The faculty also participate in the weekly Body Division Club conference where they lend their expertise to interesting cases shown by the fellows. The Abdominal Imaging section also provides a separate lecture series to our fellows which is divided amongst the faculty in the Body Division.
Medical students and physicians from other services (internal medicine, family medicine) routinely rotate through our various services and we regularly provide our expertise to help educate the CT and MRI technologists.
Publications
2025
- Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchRetroperitoneal fibrosisSecondary causesEvaluation of retroperitoneal fibrosisAssociated with autoimmune diseasesNonspecific clinical presentationIgG4 related diseasePotential diagnostic pitfallsDiffusion weighted imagingMagnetic resonance imagingAdvanced imaging techniquesPET/CT imagingClinical presentationMultimodality imaging reviewVenous stenosisClinical featuresDiagnostic pitfallsFibroinflammatory diseaseImaging findingsAutoimmune diseasesImaging reviewInflammatory disordersIdiopathic diseaseTreatment approachesImaging appearanceImaging modalities
Comparative Performance of Machine Learning Models in Reducing Unnecessary Targeted Prostate Biopsies
Chen F, Esmaili R, Khajir G, Zeevi T, Gross M, Leapman M, Sprenkle P, Justice A, Arora S, Weinreb J, Spektor M, Huber S, Humphrey P, Levi A, Staib L, Venkataraman R, Martin D, Onofrey J. Comparative Performance of Machine Learning Models in Reducing Unnecessary Targeted Prostate Biopsies. European Urology Oncology 2025 PMID: 39924390, DOI: 10.1016/j.euo.2025.01.005.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsProstate cancerPrediction of clinically significant prostate cancerClinical dataProstate-specific antigen levelClinically significant prostate cancerProstate magnetic resonance imagingSeverity of prostate cancerCombination of clinical featuresPrediction of csPCaSignificant prostate cancerProstate Imaging-ReportingCore needle biopsyRetrospective analysis of dataDecision curve analysisReducing unnecessary biopsiesProstate cancer diagnosisReceiver operating characteristic curveArea under the receiver operating characteristic curveFalse-negative rateMagnetic resonance imagingPersonalized risk assessmentAntigen levelsNeedle biopsyPatient ageUnnecessary biopsies
2024
Beyond cholangiocarcinoma: imaging features of mimicking pathologies in the biliary tract
Khasawneh H, O’Brien C, Czeyda-Pommersheim F, Qayyum A, Miller F, Arif Tiwari H, Paspulati R, Kierans A. Beyond cholangiocarcinoma: imaging features of mimicking pathologies in the biliary tract. Abdominal Radiology 2024, 1-16. PMID: 39710762, DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04749-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMalignant conditionsOverlap of imaging findingsDiagnosis of cholangiocarcinomaPrimary malignancyDifferentiate cholangiocarcinomaHistopathological confirmationImaging findingsMorphological subtypesDifferential diagnosisBiliary tractHeterogeneous diseaseDiagnostic accuracyPatient managementCholangiocarcinomaAccurate diagnosisHepatobiliary systemImage featuresPeriductal-infiltratingClinical practiceImaging characteristicsDiagnosisRenal transplant ultrasound: assessment of complications and advanced applications
Langdon J, Sharbidre K, Garner M, Robbin M, Scoutt L. Renal transplant ultrasound: assessment of complications and advanced applications. Abdominal Radiology 2024, 1-28. PMID: 39643733, DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04731-9.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRenal transplantationSurgical techniqueUltrasound evaluationSolid organ transplant proceduresComplication of renal transplantationLong-term complications of renal transplantationManagement of transplant patientsAssessment of complicationsComprehensive ultrasound evaluationLong-term complicationsRenal transplant evaluationOrgan transplant proceduresTransplant patientsUltrasound findingsSonographic findingsTransplant proceduresTransplant evaluationComplicationsTransplantationUltrasoundSurgeryPracticing radiologistsRelative prevalenceAllograftPatientsClassification of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
El Homsi M, Alkhasawneh A, Arif-Tiwari H, Czeyda-Pommersheim F, Khasawneh H, Kierans A, Paspulati R, Singh C. Classification of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Abdominal Radiology 2024, 1-11. PMID: 39643732, DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04732-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMRI after focal therapy for prostate cancer: what radiologists must know?
Jalilianhasanpour R, Arora S, Mansoori B, Raman S, Greenwood B, Sprenkle P, Schade G, Camacho M, Hosseini N, Westphalen A. MRI after focal therapy for prostate cancer: what radiologists must know? Abdominal Radiology 2024, 1-20. PMID: 39542951, DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04670-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchRenovascular hypertension – a primer for the radiologist
Dixe de Oliveira Santo I, Sindoni J, Czeyda-Pommersheim F, Solomon N, Sailer A, Bhatt S, Fananapazir G, Pellerito J, Revzin M. Renovascular hypertension – a primer for the radiologist. Abdominal Radiology 2024, 1-13. PMID: 39542950, DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04677-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricConceptsRenovascular hypertensionRenal arteryCause of renovascular hypertensionComputed tomography angiographyMagnetic resonance angiographyDiagnosing RVHExtrinsic compressionSecondary hypertensionRare conditionImaging findingsPolyarteritis nodosaSurgical interventionFibromuscular dysplasiaAnatomical variantsPage kidneyPictorial reviewHypertension casesAccurate diagnosisMedical managementDiagnostic criteriaTreatment approachesImaging modalitiesHypertensionImpact diagnosisYoung femalesCoordinate-Independent 3-D Ultrasound Principal Stretch and Direction Imaging
Jeng G, Chen P, Hsieh M, Liu Z, Langdon J, Ahn S, Staib L, Stendahl J, Thorn S, Sinusas A, Duncan J, O'Donnell M. Coordinate-Independent 3-D Ultrasound Principal Stretch and Direction Imaging. IEEE Transactions On Biomedical Engineering 2024, 71: 3312-3323. PMID: 38941195, PMCID: PMC11637688, DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2024.3420220.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPrincipal stretchesAxial displacement componentsSpeckle tracking methodSpeckle tracking approachTracking methodRobust filterDisplacement componentsTissue incompressibilityDisplacement estimationStrain componentsDisplacement gradientsStrain informationLocalized diseased regionStrain imagingLagrangian strainLeast-squares methodTracking approachTracking frameworkCoordinate systemCardiac coordinate systemProbe orientationFilterHigher spatial resolutionCardiac datasetsEnhanced accuracyResidual Ultrasound-Enhancing Agents Mimicking Portal Venous Gas
Bitar R, Langdon J, Kaur M, Crandall I, McNamara R, Revzin M. Residual Ultrasound-Enhancing Agents Mimicking Portal Venous Gas. Ultrasound Quarterly 2024, 40: e00694. PMID: 39466239, DOI: 10.1097/ruq.0000000000000694.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsUltrasound enhancing agentsPortal venous gasBowel ischemiaAbdominal ultrasoundVenous gasEchogenic fociContrast-enhanced echocardiographyEvaluation of cardiac functionPortal venous systemSeries of casesSonographic detectionCardiac functionDifferential diagnosisPortal veinVenous systemObservational studyLiver parenchymaPortal triadsVascular patencyBowelIschemiaEchocardiographyLiverUltrasoundRemoved: “Kiosk 8Q-FA-03—Gedatolisib Associated Acute Myocarditis in a Patient with Breast Adenocarcinoma” [Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 26 (2024) 100856]
Khattab M, Kwan J, Alkhatib D, Shen M, Desai S, Akintoye E, Huber S, Baldassarre L. Removed: “Kiosk 8Q-FA-03—Gedatolisib Associated Acute Myocarditis in a Patient with Breast Adenocarcinoma” [Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 26 (2024) 100856]. Journal Of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2024, 26: 101084. PMID: 39181776, DOI: 10.1016/j.jocmr.2024.101084.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchTricuspid valve flow measurement using a deep learning framework for automated valve‐tracking 2D phase contrast
Lamy J, Gonzales R, Xiang J, Seemann F, Huber S, Steele J, Wieben O, Heiberg E, Peters D. Tricuspid valve flow measurement using a deep learning framework for automated valve‐tracking 2D phase contrast. Magnetic Resonance In Medicine 2024, 92: 1838-1850. PMID: 38817154, PMCID: PMC11341256, DOI: 10.1002/mrm.30163.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsStroke volumeHealthy subjectsLong-axis cine imagesTricuspid valve planeTricuspid regurgitation velocityDiastolic function evaluationVentricular stroke volumePhase contrastSystolic excursionRegurgitation velocityTricuspid valveTrace regurgitationDiastolic flowCine imagesTricuspidClinical challengeCardiovascular MRValve planeValvular planeAcquisition planeHigh-velocity jetPatientsTraining deep learning networksPlanimetryDeep learning frameworkMulti-Task Learning for Motion Analysis and Segmentation in 3D Echocardiography
Ta K, Ahn S, Thorn S, Stendahl J, Zhang X, Langdon J, Staib L, Sinusas A, Duncan J. Multi-Task Learning for Motion Analysis and Segmentation in 3D Echocardiography. IEEE Transactions On Medical Imaging 2024, 43: 2010-2020. PMID: 38231820, DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2024.3355383.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsConceptsMulti-task learning networkCross-stitch unitsComposite loss functionAccurate motion estimationTask-specific networksMotion estimationSegmentation masksLearning networkLoss functionSegmentation stepEchocardiography datasetNetworkMotion displacementMotion analysisMultiple time framesTaskAnalysis pipelineSegmentsStrain measurementsDatasetRepresentationPeer Learning in Neuroradiology: Easier Than It Sounds
Kunst M, Sharpe R, Pahade J, Donnelly L, Broder J. Peer Learning in Neuroradiology: Easier Than It Sounds. American Journal Of Neuroradiology 2024, 45: e12-e13. PMID: 38697795, PMCID: PMC11288595, DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a8263.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricKiosk 8Q-FA-03 Gedatolisib Associated Acute Myocarditis in a Patient with Breast Adenocarcinoma
Khattab M, Kwan J, Alkhatib D, Shen M, Desai S, Akintoye E, Huber S, Baldassarre L. Kiosk 8Q-FA-03 Gedatolisib Associated Acute Myocarditis in a Patient with Breast Adenocarcinoma. Journal Of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2024, 26: 100856. PMID: 39155091, DOI: 10.1016/j.jocmr.2024.100856.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsThe disproportionate impact of peer learning on emergency radiology
Czerminski J, Pahade J, Davis M, Mezrich J. The disproportionate impact of peer learning on emergency radiology. Emergency Radiology 2024, 31: 133-139. PMID: 38261134, DOI: 10.1007/s10140-024-02207-3.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsEmergency radiologistsPotential learning opportunitiesFollow-up reviewEmergency department patientsPost hoc analysisIncreasing case volumePediatric patientsCT examsAttending radiologistsAcademic medical centerCase volumeLearning methodsDepartment patientsPurposeThe useHoc analysisShorter turn-around timeMedical CenterRadiologistsAttending coveragePeer learning methodLearning feedbackHospital systemPatientsAnalysis of variance
2023
Reply
Pahade J, Sodagari F. Reply. Journal Of The American College Of Radiology 2023, 21: 849-850. PMID: 37956882, DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.11.007.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchDeferral of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Testing Before Contrast-Enhanced CT in Low-Risk Emergency Department Patients: Assessment of Safety and Impact on Throughput
Gunabushanam G, Asch D, van Luling J, Kuehne A, Alkukhun A, Staib L, Venkatesh A, Pahade J. Deferral of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Testing Before Contrast-Enhanced CT in Low-Risk Emergency Department Patients: Assessment of Safety and Impact on Throughput. Journal Of The American College Of Radiology 2023, 21: 52-60. PMID: 37939813, DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.11.003.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricConceptsAcute kidney injuryChronic kidney diseaseContrast-enhanced CTLower riskED providersMedian OSEGFR testingContrast-induced acute kidney injuryLow-risk emergency department patientsLow-risk ED patientsProportion of patientsEmergency department patientsClinical risk assessmentGlomerular filtration rate testingAssessment of safetyChronic dialysisKidney injuryDepartment patientsED patientsEGFR valuesKidney diseaseRisk factorsPatientsCECT studiesRiskAtrial fibrosis by cardiac MRI is a correlate for atrial stiffness in patients with atrial fibrillation
Lamy J, Taoutel R, Chamoun R, Akar J, Niederer S, Mojibian H, Huber S, Baldassarre L, Meadows J, Peters D. Atrial fibrosis by cardiac MRI is a correlate for atrial stiffness in patients with atrial fibrillation. The International Journal Of Cardiovascular Imaging 2023, 40: 107-117. PMID: 37857929, PMCID: PMC11378145, DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-02968-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsLate gadolinium enhancementLA reservoir strainLeft atrial pressureLA volumeReservoir strainLA fibrosisLA strainStiffness indexLA late gadolinium enhancementAtrial stiffness indexMaximal LA volumeAtrial fibrillation cohortLA minimum volumeAtrial tissue fibrosisMaximum LA volumeCardiac MR examsAtrial stiffnessAtrial strainAF ablationAtrial pressureAF cohortAtrial fibrillationAtrial fibrosisPatient subgroupsLGE volumeManagement of Severe Allergic-Like Contrast Media Reactions: Pitfalls and Strategies, From the AJR Special Series on Contrast Media.
Asch D, Callahan M, Thomas K, Desai S, Pahade J. Management of Severe Allergic-Like Contrast Media Reactions: Pitfalls and Strategies, From the AJR Special Series on Contrast Media. American Journal Of Roentgenology 2023, 223: e2330044. PMID: 37818959, DOI: 10.2214/ajr.23.30044.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMR Imaging-Guided Prostate Cancer Therapies
Adamo D, Greenwood B, Ghanouni P, Arora S. MR Imaging-Guided Prostate Cancer Therapies. Radiologic Clinics Of North America 2023, 62: 121-133. PMID: 37973238, DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2023.06.012.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsProstate cancerTransrectal high-intensity focused ultrasoundLong-term oncologic dataIntermediate-risk prostate cancerTreatment of prostate cancerWhole-gland therapyTransurethral ultrasound ablationRadical prostatectomyHigh-intensity focused ultrasoundRadiation therapyImaging-guided therapyTherapeutic optionsOncological dataUltrasound ablationCancerTherapyProstateTreatmentAblationMenProstatectomyCryoablationMalignancyUltrasoundA Survey of Practicing Radiologists on the Use of Premedication Before Intravenous Iodinated Contrast Medium Administration
Sodagari F, Davenport M, Asch D, Cavallo J, Cohan R, Ellis J, Pahade J. A Survey of Practicing Radiologists on the Use of Premedication Before Intravenous Iodinated Contrast Medium Administration. Journal Of The American College Of Radiology 2023, 21: 795-804. PMID: 37516161, DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.04.024.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsConceptsCorticosteroid premedicationCE-CTACR guidelinesContrast mediumHypersensitivity reactionsNoncontrast CTDoses of corticosteroidsModerate hypersensitivity reactionsSevere hypersensitivity reactionsUse of premedicationEmergency department patientsContrast-enhanced CTContrast medium administrationGadolinium-based contrast mediaAntihistamine useCorticosteroid dosesIntravenous premedicationRoutine premedicationOral premedicationDepartment patientsED patientsContrast allergyED settingUrgent settingClinical managementMultimodality pictorial review of IgG4-related disease in the abdomen and pelvis
Czerniak S, Rao A, Mathur M. Multimodality pictorial review of IgG4-related disease in the abdomen and pelvis. Abdominal Radiology 2023, 48: 3147-3161. PMID: 37407744, DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-03996-w.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsIgG4-RDPictorial reviewMultiple organsVariable imaging manifestationsImmune-mediated diseasesLymph nodesGlucocorticoid treatmentImaging manifestationsPathologic dataBile ductDefinite diagnosisRadiographic characteristicsImaging appearancesConclusionThe presenceTimely diagnosisClinical considerationsThyroid glandDiseaseSalivary glandsAbdomenPelvisSoft tissueDiagnosisGlandOrgansAmerican College of Radiology initiatives on prostate magnetic resonance imaging quality
Purysko A, Tempany C, Macura K, Turkbey B, Rosenkrantz A, Gupta R, Attridge L, Hernandez D, Garcia-Tomkins K, Bhargavan-Chatfield M, Weinreb J, Larson D. American College of Radiology initiatives on prostate magnetic resonance imaging quality. European Journal Of Radiology 2023, 165: 110937. PMID: 37352683, PMCID: PMC10461171, DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.110937.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsMagnetic resonance imagingProstate magnetic resonance imagingAmerican CollegePatient careACR Appropriateness CriteriaProstate Imaging ReportingQuality Improvement CollaborativeHigh-quality patient careMRI qualityUrogenital RadiologyCenter designationAppropriateness CriteriaPatient outcomesProstate cancerClinical practiceImaging ReportingResonance imagingEuropean SocietyCareControl programsInternational panelMagnetic resonance imaging qualityRadiologyQuality control programPatientsQuantitative cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings and clinical risk factors predict cardiovascular outcomes in breast cancer patients
Kwan J, Arbune A, Henry M, Hu R, Wei W, Nguyen V, Lee S, Lopez-Mattei J, Guha A, Huber S, Bader A, Meadows J, Sinusas A, Mojibian H, Peters D, Lustberg M, Hull S, Baldassarre L. Quantitative cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings and clinical risk factors predict cardiovascular outcomes in breast cancer patients. PLOS ONE 2023, 18: e0286364. PMID: 37252927, PMCID: PMC10228774, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286364.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsBreast cancer patientsSystolic heart failureCardiovascular outcomesCancer patientsHeart failureValvular diseaseStrain abnormalitiesLeft ventricular ejection fraction reductionCancer treatment-related cardiotoxicityCardiovascular magnetic resonance findingsVentricular ejection fraction reductionYale-New Haven HospitalEjection fraction reductionTreatment-related cardiotoxicityAdverse cardiovascular outcomesClinical risk factorsNormal LV functionGlobal longitudinal strainIschemic heart diseaseMagnetic resonance findingsRisk regression modelsNew Haven HospitalSubclinical cardiotoxicityDiastolic dysfunctionStatin useCurrent State of Peer Learning in Radiology: A Survey of ACR Members
Sharpe R, Tarrant M, Brook O, Chatfield M, Chaudhry H, City R, Donnelly L, Goldberg-Stein S, Hernandez D, Hwang G, Kunst M, Lee R, Moriarity A, Pahade J, Patel S, Broder J. Current State of Peer Learning in Radiology: A Survey of ACR Members. Journal Of The American College Of Radiology 2023, 20: 699-711. PMID: 37230234, DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.03.018.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsRoutine clinical practicePractice improvement projectACR membersClinical practicePractice characteristicsPatient careRadiology practiceHealth careImprovement initiativesImprovement projectTotal sampleCareRadiologistsACRCurrent practiceUrban settingsPL activityNet Promoter ScorePopulationImproved cultureIncidenceNonusers