The research programs in the Department of Radiology are of its greatest assets. Clinical faculty works in collaboration with the basic science faculty in the development and execution of research activities. Throughout the past year our clinical faculty has successfully implemented an ever-increasing number of externally funded clinical trials and physician initiated pilot protocols. The Department of Radiology Faculty has 30 to 40 active physician initiated research projects ongoing throughout the year and collaborates in the facilitation of multiple interdepartmental research projects.

Ongoing Clinical Trials have several funding sources including Industry, Gifts, Federal, Non-federal, and Pharmaceuticals.

In the Department of Radiology industry funded clinical research activities have been focused in MRI and the interventional arena. These projects include the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for detection, evaluation and treatment efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis, the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for detection and evaluation of lesions within the body, and the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the detection of pulmonary emboli. Also undertaken was the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of new interventional procedures with stenting options and multi-modality outcome studies. Interventional Radilogists are evaluating new methods of treating patients with stenosis of the iliac arteries or other pathology withing the arteries. Additionally, they are continuing studies comparing conventional angiography to both, CT and MR angiography.

Research accomplishments this year have included the successful closure of multiple phase II and III clinical trials of contrast agents for use in MRA and gadolinium contrast material for diagnosis of pathology within the thorax and abdomen.

The clinical and basic science research facilities include a radiology library, computer facilities, databases and full time support personnel providing the milieu for clinical research. Our research subjects population is now geographically diverse. Our research subjects population is now geographically diverse. Enrolled subjects are coming from the metropolitan Chicago region, Central Ilinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Each of our faculty members is dedicated to investigate activities. The result of much of their research has been published in peer review journals and presented at both National and International professional meetings.