Center for Research and Innovation in Abdominal Imaging

Overview

The Center for Research and Innovation in Abdominal Imaging (CRIA) at MGH performs clinical and translational research with the use of top-of-the-line technology and decision support to advance healthcare practices and better patient care.

The center operates within the Abdominal Imaging Division at MGH to consolidate the research performed by our renowned faculty members. Our expert investigators conduct research on a range of imaging modalities using the latest technologies, including Photon Counting CT, Dual-Energy CT, CT Perfusion, and PET-MRI. The research conducted at the Center seeks to answer a variety of clinical questions related to the different abdominal organs such as the kidneys, pancreas, liver and prostate.

Oncological research also constitutes a large portion of the research performed at the Center. This includes investigating imaging biomarkers and advancements in screening, staging and response assessment techniques. In addition to leading research investigations, the center aims to foster and develop the next generation of researchers through the support and mentorship of our junior faculty, trainees and clinical and research fellows.

Research Fellows

Abbas Rezaei, MD: Abbas contributes to research at CRIA with a focus on AI applications and advanced imaging in abdominal radiology.

Abdelrahman Elshikh, MD: Abdelrahman works on innovative use of MRI in prostate imaging and screening.

Aliva Nayak, MD: Aliva is currently involved in research involving the imaging evaluation of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs) and Spectral CT in Abdominal and Oncologic Imaging Practice: Impact on patient outcome and Cost-effectiveness study.

Antonino Andrea Blandino, MD: Antonino Andrea is actively involved in research focused on methodological developments to improve the acquisition of body MR and PET/MR sequences

Elio Quiros, MD: Elio’s research focuses on advanced abdominal imaging, with emphasis on PET/MR applications in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases.

Harleen Kaur, MD: Harleen is working on advanced prostate cancer imaging research with focus on advanced multiparametric MRI techniques.

Isabela Cristina Silva Lima, MD: Isabela’s work centers on advanced CT and MRI analysis, imaging biomarkers, and quantitative methods for abdominal oncology and complex abdominopelvic conditions, with a particular focus on renal mass characterization and kidney tumor imaging.

Laksika Bhuthathorn, MD: A radiologist interested in research in abdominal radiology, particularly CT and MRI radiomics.Nabih Nakrour, MD: Nabih studies artificial intelligence applications in prostate MRI for cancer detection and longitudinal assessment.

Nuttaphon Aleenajitpong, MD: Nuttaphon is actively involved in advanced prostate cancer imaging using multiparametric and biparametric MRI, as well as PSMA PET, for diagnostic and prognostic applications, with additional focus on AI-driven methods in prostate cancer research.

Prior Research Fellows

• Binaya Dhakal, MD
• Azadeh Hajati, MD
• Maximilian Pohl, MD
• Ok Kyu Song, MD
• Soumyadeep Ghosh, MD
• Yoshifumi Noda, MD, PhD
• Alexander Herold, MD
• Shravya Srinivas Rao, MD
• Priyanka Prajapati, MD
• Nikitha Uma Baskaran, MD
• Jinjin Cao, MD
• Luigi Asmundo, MD
• Mina Hesami, MD
• Nayla Mroueh, MD
• Felipe Furtado, MD
• Álvaro Badenes Romero, MD
• Sasiprang Konboonvijit, MD (Fern)

Prior Research Interns

• Lauren Glupe
• Heather Ann Morrell