SUMMARY
The research led by radiologist Francis Baffour, M.D., focuses on translating diagnostic imaging inventions to innovative clinical applications. Specifically, Dr. Baffour's interests are in novel computerized tomography (CT) imaging techniques and their roles in clinical imaging.
Dr. Baffour's research also seeks to understand the imaging features of multiple myeloma and other diseases that involve the bone marrow. With advanced imaging, including multienergy CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), his research focuses on identifying imaging biomarkers to detect disease and identify recurrence at an earlier stage.
Focus areas
- Quantification of bone microarchitecture. Dr. Baffour and his colleagues are particularly interested in developing quantitative metrics of cortical and trabecular bone using ultrahigh-resolution CT to detect changes in bone quality, such as osteopenia and osteoporosis.
- Material decomposition using dual-energy and multienergy CT. Advanced CT technologies enable energy-dependent measurement of tissue composition. Using these techniques, Dr. Baffour and his colleagues investigate noninvasive characterization of pathology, such as crystalline arthropathy (gout), intramedullary foci of malignancy and bone marrow edema.
- Radiologic characterization of multiple myeloma. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma demand similar advances in accurate imaging of intramedullary and extramedullary disease. Dr. Baffour's research focuses on using advanced CT and MRI to provide prognostic information and assess therapeutic efficacy.
- Clinical translation of imaging technology. As the associate medical director of the CT Clinical Innovation Center in the Department of Radiology, Dr. Baffour supports the mission of facilitating high-impact imaging innovations with direct impact on patient care.
Significance to patient care
Advances in imaging technology are crucial to providing good patient care. Complex disease often requires these advance techniques to detect pathology and monitor changes after treatment. In addition, innovations in imaging technology are vital for radiation dose reduction and quantitative assessment of disease activity. The research Dr. Baffour and his colleagues conduct seeks to translate these cutting-edge imaging technologies to routine clinical care for patients.
Professional highlights
- Associate medical director, CT Clinical Innovation Center, Mayo Clinic, 2022-present