The UAB Department of Radiology at present has eight clinical MRI units, with construction in the University Hospital North Pavilion completed in the past year adding large bore 1.5 and 3T systems. An extremity MRI is conveniently located in the orthopedic clinics at UAB Highlands hospital. All MR machines have the full complement of coils, high performance gradients, and post processing capabilities in place to perform state of the art imaging including advanced diffusion weighted and diffusion tensor imaging, dynamic contrast enhanced and dynamic susceptibility enhanced MRI. Images sent from the Kirklin Clinic or University Hospital MRI suites to the 3D Laboratory for Multimodality Imaging for Patients, the MNIRC  (Multidisciplinary NeuroImaging Resource Core) or  CCQIBAD (Comprehensive Core for Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Analysis and Development) can be manipulated using TeraRecon, Dynasuite, StealthViz, Neuro IB platforms or study-specific software developed by UAB personnel.

                    

Research MRI examinations are performed on the UAB Radiology Department's clinical magnets as well as on dedicated research units located in the Boshell Building and in the Civitan International Research Center. Advanced post processing of imaging data from all three resources may be additionally performed investigators in the MNIRC, CCQIBAD, or the Laboratory for Multimodality Imaging for Small Animals in the Division of Advanced Medical Imaging.

      

Interaction of the clinical MRI sites with the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center's Human Imaging Shared Facility promotes application of advanced MR techniques for oncologic applications. Recent application for support of a Comprehensive Core for Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Analysis and Development will hopefully expand the role of the department in interdepartmental and interdisciplinary MR research, translational, and clinical applications.

At The Kirklin Clinic, University Hospital, and UAB Highlands, approximately 25,000 clinical MR examinations are performed yearly by a team of 22 MR technologists, three supervisors, and two nurses. Breakdown of subspecialty exam numbers is listed below:

Recent growth areas include musculoskeletal and abdominal MRI, with 16% and 15% increases in volume, respectively, in FY2012. New capabilities with recent University Hospital Installation include full service functional MRI, as well as interventional breast procedures at 3T field strength.

ACR accreditation is universal for the full service clinical MRI units, and UAB participates in the Centers for Quantitative Imaging Excellence Program of the NCI. Resident rotations in MRI include Neuro, Body, MSK, Breast and Cardiovascular/chest.

                                                  

  Desiree E. Morgan, M.D.                                       Wlad T. Sobol, Ph.D., FAAPM
         Director MRI                                                                 MRI Physics