Emergency and Trauma Radiology

Chief of Service: Thomas Ptak, MD, PhD

The mission of the Emergency and Trauma Radiology Section is to provide rapid, comprehensive and expert clinical radiology service to the patients at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, while also advancing the use of non-invasive imaging in Trauma care through research and education. In addition to the Shock Trauma Center, the section serves the patients of the University of Maryland Medical Center's Adult Emergency Department.

The Emergency and Trauma Radiology Section consists of eight radiologists with training and extensive experience in the use of non-invasive imaging modalities to diagnose acute injuries and their complications resulting from either blunt or penetrating trauma. Working in concert with Trauma Surgeons and other specialists, the Trauma Radiologists are on-site around-the-clock, providing specialized diagnostic imaging interpretations and consultations. In addition, the members of the section oversee image acquisition, tailoring studies according to the type of trauma sustained, while also supervising Radiology residents and fellows.

Diagnostic imaging services at the Shock Trauma Center that are the responsibility of the section include radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nuclear medicine, ultrasound and interventional diagnostic procedures are provided by other sections within the Departments of Radiology and Surgery. Imaging equipment immediately available within the main trauma facility includes direct radiography and 64-slice multidetector CT. In addition, there is a state-of-the-art dual-source dual-energy CT scanner that acquires images that have greater anatomic detail and provide more functional information than other current CT technology, while doing so more rapidly, scanning head-to-toe in less than one minute, with less radiation dose to the patient. Patients at Shock Trauma also have access to advanced MRI technologies, including both 1.5T and 3T systems, that facilitate comprehensive evaluation of brain, neurovascular and spinal injuries.

In addition to providing around-the-clock subspecialized clinical service, the section is academically active. Section members regularly publish book chapters and peer-reviewed research in areas related to Trauma Radiology, lecture at national society meetings and participate in the training of both residents and fellows in Diagnostic Radiology, Trauma Surgery, Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Medicine.

To contact one of our faculty members, call 410-328-3477.