Molecular Imaging

The Center for Molecular Imaging Research (CMIR) at the Massachusetts General Hospital is the largest center worldwide dedicated purely to the development and application of tools and techniques in molecular imaging. The director of the center, Ralph Weissleder, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the field and has made seminal contributions in the development of super-paramagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles for in-vivo imaging. We are fortunate in that a uniquely close relationship exists between the cardiovascular groups in the Martinos Center and the CMIR. Dr. Sosnovik, in particular, has been a highly active member of the CMIR for several years and is one of the faculty members on the Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Program within the CMIR. 

The focus of our group in cardiovascular molecular imaging is the development of pulse sequences that maximize the sensitivity of magnetic nanoparticle detection, minimize artifacts and permit nanoparticle detection through novel contrast mechanisms. This focus stems from the belief that advances in molecular imaging, and the ability to detect cardiovascular targets in-vivo in the low nanomolar range, will require advances in both nanoparticle design and the techniques used to image them.

For more information on the Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Program within the CMIR, please contact:

• Ralph Weissleder MD PhD, Director Center for Molecular Imaging Research (CMIR)

• Farouc Jaffer MD PhD, Director Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Program, CMIR

• David Sosnovik MD, Director Cardiac MRI, CMIR