Dennis M. Balfe, M.D.

DEPARTMENT OF Radiology
Keywords: digital imaging, cholangiography, anatomy, cross-sectional imaging

Currently, I have two active research interests. The first is in digital imaging. The current model for application of digital imaging to GI studies is cholangiography. For this purpose, I have constructed a cholangiography model and am in the process of accumulating data to find which set of control parameters (kVp, contrast concentration, mAs) produce the optimal contrast-to-noise ratio to identify a calculus within a duct. The results of this study will be utilized to identify the optimal image-processing techniques to adequately display the maximized information. Finally, it remains to be seen whether a solution to this problem is sufficiently general to maximize high spatial frequency information, such as the diagnosis of fine duct wall irregularities.

The cholangiography model is only one of a number of interesting experiments that are planned for this fourth-floor digital imaging project. Others include optimization of contrast in IVU, optimal strategies for detecting calculus superimposed on a high-density background, such as bone, and optimizing factors to do air-contrast and solid-column radiology.

The second area of interest is in the application of anatomic concepts to cross-sectional imaging. Currently, I am investigating the consequences of embryological development in the retroperitoneum in hopes of continuing the suggestions made originally by Wiley J. Dodds and others. For this set of experiments, radiopaque Microfill will be injected into the retroperitoneum of cadavers, which will then be quick-frozen and sectioned at 1 cm intervals. Further dissection and/or photography will then be obtained to document the location of the injected material. The aim of this is to demonstrate the normal drainage patterns of retroperitoneal structures in a way analogous to what has already been done for peritoneal structures.