Medical Imaging Research
Research and clinical expertise from the Center for Advanced Imaging Research (CAIR) and the Center for Metabolic Imaging & Therapeutics (CMIT), as well as our other research endeavors, bring the field of medical imaging into focus here at the University of Maryland Medical Center and our partnering institutions. Together, we strive to expand the capabilities of medical imaging in order to ultimately apply them to patient care.
Volunteer for a Study
CAIR researchers are currently recruiting participants for the following studies:
Memory and Vascular Function in the Aging Brain
Researchers are recruiting volunteers for participation in a study related to memory and vascular function in the aging brain. The study includes fasting blood tests, brain MRI scans, memory evaluations and thinking evaluations. We are seeking participants 60-90 years of age who were diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol, as well as those who have memory decline.
If you or someone you know is interested, please call 410-706-8975, extension 1029.
MarkVCID Study – Biomarkers for Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Study volunteers are needed for a confidential clinical research study to help determine whether a special MRI scans or blood tests can detect abnormalities that tell us about brain function and risk of memory loss in people with vascular risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure or diabetes). This is a multi-center study, involving 15 sites across the country, with participants ages 60-90 years; they will be followed up annually with brain MRI scans, cognitive tests and blood tests.
If you or someone you know is interested, please call 410-706-8975, extension 1029.
Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Brain Function in Older Persons With HIV
Researchers are recruiting volunteers for participation in a confidential clinical research study to figure out whether a specialized MRI scan can detect abnormalities in blood vessel that tell us about the functioning of the brain in older individuals who have HIV. Participants must range from 50-85 years old. Researchers will evaluate participants with brain MRI scans, cognitive tests and blood tests.
If you or someone you know is interested, please call 410-706-8975, extension 1029.
Adaptive Working Memory and Physical Exercise Training to Improve Brain and Mitochondrial Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Study volunteers are needed for a confidential clinical research study to help determine whether a coached 12-week physical exercise program and/or a 5-week computerized brain exercise program will improve memory and brain function in people with mild cognitive problems. We will also perform brain MRI scans, cognitive tests and blood tests, before and after the exercise programs. We are seeking participants ages 50-80.
If you or someone you know is interested, please call or text 443-252-2579.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine's Research Leadership
Linda Chang, MD, MS
Co-director, CAIR
Vice Chair, Faculty Development
Thomas Ernst, PhD
Co-Director, CAIR
Dheeraj Gandhi, MBBS
Co-director, CMIT
Vice Chair, Academic Affairs
Bruce Wasserman, MD
Vice Chair of Research
Imaging Research Programs
Center for Advanced Imaging Research (CAIR)
Based out of the University of Maryland School of Medicine's HSF-III facility, CAIR integrates research and resources to enhance medical imaging technology, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hyperpolarized imaging, positron-emission tomography (PET) and focused ultrasound.
With support from the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, the National Institutes of Health and other federal and foundation funding, CAIR exists to deliver on its ultimate goal of improving patient care and treatment through the betterment of medical imaging technology.
Center for Metabolic Imaging & Therapeutics (CMIT)
Formed in 2014, CMIT is the result of a strategic partnership between the University of Maryland Medical Center, the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine. CMIT facilitates multi-disciplinary collaborations to bring novel imaging technologies into the clinical setting.
CMIT's focus is on two major technologies:
- Metabolic imaging using Dynamic Nuclear Polarization to obtain real-time information on metabolism
- Therapeutic-related technology applying MRI-guided focused ultrasound for neuro-interventions
Several projects led by Dr. Dirk Mayer are underway to understand various metabolic pathways in multiple cancers, traumatic brain injury and liver disease.
Additionally, projects on MR-guided focused ultrasound are in progress. Our investigators' significant contributions have led to the Food and Drug Administration's approval to treat essential tremors, now clinically treated. Other clinical trials include treating Parkinson's disease, led by Dr. Howard Eisenberg and Dr. Paul Fishman, and neuropathic pain, led by Dr. Dheeraj Gandhi.
Dr. Graeme Woodworth, from the Department of Neurosurgery, is also the lead investigator on two major clinical trials involving opening the blood brain barrier through the use of this technology.