Riccardo Lattanzi, PhD

My research work lies at the boundary between physics, engineering and medicine. I investigate fundamental principles involving the interactions of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields with biological tissue in order to develop new techniques and technologies that are aimed at improving the diagnostic power of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

My research group investigates performance limits in MRI, as, for example, the ultimate intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which is the theoretical largest SNR for a given imaging task. Our broad aim is to gather physical insight to develop new technology that can approach the optimal performance.

Another area of interest is the application of quantitative MR-based biochemical imaging for accurate assessment of articular cartilage. In particular, my colleagues and I have developed new techniques to translate quantitative MRI into routine clinical evaluation of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a medical condition for which early detection of cartilage damage could help delaying or preventing the onset of hip osteoarthritis.

A more recent research focus involves the development of new methods for noninvasive mapping of electrical properties using MRI measurements. Knowledge of internal electrical information would enable to predict the behavior of RF fields inside the human body to optimize MRI performance. Furthermore, this work addresses a long-recognized need for electrical tissue characterization, which could have a significant impact in other areas. For example, electrical properties could be employed as biomarkers for cancer (and other pathologies), or for reliable Hyperthermia treatment planning.