Message from Section Chief

Message from Section Chief

Welcome to the Abdominal Imaging Section and our team of fellowship-trained abdominal imaging specialists. We offer a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art multimodality imaging of the abdomen and pelvis including GI and GU fluoroscopy, US, CT and MR imaging. In addition, we provide advanced imaging techniques and services including CT Colonography, CT and MR Enterography, MR Elastography, advanced prostate imaging and intervention, and contrast-enhanced US. We work collaboratively to offer exceptional patient care and excel in medical education and research. Our innovative radiology procedures and advanced clinical research benefit radiology trainees, medical students and patients globally. ~ Laura R. Carucci, M.D.

Overview

Abdominal imaging provides diagnostic medical imaging and therapeutic interventions to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions of the abdominal and pelvic regions. As one of the largest abdominal imaging sections in the country, we are recognized nationally for our expertise in advanced imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and genitourinary (GU) system and advanced prostate imaging and intervention.

Following the VCU Department of Radiology’s mantra, “Image of Excellence,” the abdominal imaging section provides the safest and most advanced diagnostic imaging care available. The section's specialty-trained radiologists offer the full spectrum of diagnostic imaging studies for digestive, urinary and gynecologic diseases. Procedures include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Quantitative Liver MRI
MR and US Elastography
CT and MR Enterography
CT Colonography / Virtual Colonography
CT and MR Urography
Prostate Imaging and Biopsy
GI and GU Fluoroscopy
Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS)

While our primary focus is patient care, as part of a top-ranked medical university, our team's research has also been published extensively in medical journals and textbooks.

Abdominal Imaging Procedures

Abdominal imaging procedures are utilized to diagnose gastrointestinal, genitourinary and gynecologic diseases. Image guided interventions using computed tomography, ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance guidance allow for more detailed diagnosis and treatment of certain abdominal conditions.

Advanced Abdominal Imaging Procedures

Advanced abdominal imaging procedures include non-vascular interventional procedures (NVIR) and advanced prostate imaging.

Non-vascular Interventional Procedures

The non-vascular interventional procedures (NVIR) team includes attending physicians, residents, advanced-practice providers, radiologist assistants, nurses, technologists and NVIR coordinators.

The team offers both inpatient and outpatient non-invasive procedures for numerous modalities, including CT, ultrasound, MR imaging and fluoroscopy.

The NVIR team engages in consultation, periprocedural care, and bedside procedures throughout the VCU Health System.

Learn more about Ultrasound

Advanced Prostate Imaging

We are abdominal imaging specialists focused on prostate MR imaging and image-guided prostate biopsies. Our prostate MR imaging includes multiple techniques using the most advanced technology and equipment for optimal detection.

Initial transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsies are negative in approximately 66% of the cases. Repeat biopsies have a detection yield between 15% and 20%. MR imaging and then Image-guided biopsies increase biopsy yield in up to 80% of patients.

At our 3T MR center, we routinely use multiple non-invasive advanced prostate MR imaging techniques, including MR T2 weighted imaging, MR diffusion and dynamic contrast enhanced imaging. Based on published studies and our own experience, the combination of these techniques produce a high-level of accuracy, up to 90%, in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Learn more about Advanced Prostate Imaging

Abdominal Imaging Fellowship

The VCU Department of Radiology offers a one-year Abdominal Imaging Fellowship, accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The abdominal imaging fellowship includes clinical experience and thorough instruction in body CT and MR imaging, gastrointestinal and genitourinary imaging, and ultrasound.

We also offer a Women’s Imaging Fellowship, consisting of a combination of Body Imaging and Breast Imaging and a MRI Fellowship.

Learn more about our Fellowship Programs.

Abdominal Imaging Faculty

Laura R. Carucci, M.D., FACR, FSAR

Tenured Professor

Laura R. Carucci, M.D., FACR, FSAR

Tenured Professor

Radiology

Tenured Professor of Radiology
Chief, Abdominal Imaging
Director, Abdominal MRI
Director, Computed Tomography
Director, MRI

Phone: (804) 828-3151

Fax: (804) 628-1132

Email: laura.carucci@vcuhealth.org

Address/Location:
Main Hospital, Room 3-410

Ann S. Fulcher, M.D., FACR, FSAR, FSABI

Tenured Professor and Chair, Department of Radiology

Ann S. Fulcher, M.D., FACR, FSAR, FSABI

Tenured Professor and Chair, Department of Radiology

Radiology

Tenured Professor and Chair, Department of Radiology
Director, Enterprise Wide Radiation Safety Initiative
Director, Enterprise Wide Imaging Safety & Compliance Initiative

Phone: (804) 828-6600

Fax: (804) 828-6129

Email: ann.fulcher@vcuhealth.org

Address/Location:
West Hospital, North Wing