One interesting research project focuses on patients who have difficulties after treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Under the direction of Dr. Christiane Kulinna- Cosentini, who is board-certified in abdominal CT/MRI, and who has 10-12 years experience in the field, is using MRI to follow patients who have problems after fundoplication treatment for GERD. “MRI is the only modality that can provide a clear image of slipped fundoplication, disruption of sutures, Re-reflux, Re-Hernias and show what the problems are after surgery. We can see the morphology and function with 3T MRI and we think it’s better than barium swallowing, gastroscopy, and manometry. Everything can be accomplished with one exam, and with no radiation exposure,” she said. The hope is that this method will become part of the standard clinical routine.