The Fellowship in the
Division of Abdominal Radiology is part of a combined cross-sectional
imaging fellowship, which includes abdominal CT, abdominal MR, and
ultrasonography. Typically consisting of 4 months in each of these 3
cross-sectional disciplines, this fellowship is designed to consolidate
and expand the basic skills acquired as a resident and to allow more
intensive training and experience with the most cutting–edge
developments currently being developed and evaluated in our department.
This fellowship provides intensive training in abdominal computed
tomography. Fellows will become skilled in the conduct and
interpretation of abdominal CT scans performed at the University of
Michigan Hospitals; facilities include seven helical CT scanners,
including six advanced multidetector-row scanners (GE Lightspeed). Three
16-slice CT scanners are available allowing for experience with "cutting
edge" CT protocols. There are five Windows workstations capable of
performing 3D imaging. Fellows interact closely with nationally
recognized faculty in one-on-one teaching sessions. Emphasis is placed
on quality in technical performance and interpretation.
The Fellow routinely performs interventional techniques, including
biopsy and abscess drainage. The Abdominal Division is actively involved
in both clinical and basic research; participation by the Fellow in
scientific activities is encouraged and research time is offered.
Members of the CT faculty give weekly lunchtime conferences geared to
fellow education.
RESEARCH
Members of the Abdominal Division are actively involved in research
investigations. Focus of these research activities varies widely,
but some of the current and recent activities have taken advantage
of our department having access to one of the first multidetector-row
CT scanners placed in an academic center. Studies with this newest
advance in CT technology have included: 1) refined multiphasic contrast-enhanced
scanning of pancreatic and hepatic neoplasms, 2) improved resolution
of 3D CT angiographic studies of the abdominal vasculature, 3) virtual
cystoscopy, and 4) development of new techniques for the burgeoning
field of helical CT urography using high-resolution 3D reformatted
images of the entire urinary tract. Other research has included
studies on differentiating adrenal adenomas from nonadenomas using
unenhanced and early delayed CT attenuation values, critical evaluation
of the accepted diagnostic signs used to differentiate ureteral
calculi from pelvic phleboliths on helical CT, and optimizing the
use of digital CT scout abdomen images for simplified follow-up
of ureteral calculi detected on helical CT.
For more information, please contact the Abdominal Division Director,
Joel Platt, M.D.
