Anna K. Parsons

Summary of Research: Development and application of ultrasound imaging techniques for female reproductive organs. Transvaginal ultrasound is useful for diagnosis of pathology as well as observation of physiologic reproductive processes, and evaluation ofresponse to therapy. We have introduced vaginal ultrasound as a method of evaluating drugs' effects on reproductive function and postmenopausal endometrium. Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy may be monitored and degenerative changes such as ovarian cancer detected at earlier (treatable) stages. I am developing methods of training residents, practicing physicians, and clinical investigators in these techniques.Techniques/Methods: Transvaginal ultrasound, saline infusion, sonohysterography, sonographic contrast agents n the pelvis, ultra- sound guided biopsy techniques, ovarian cancer.Noninvasive imaging of the reproductive tract enables observation of drug effects and I have pioneered the use of this technique in industry for this purpose. Raloxifene is a nonsteroidal estrogen receptor modulator. The technique of saline infusion sonohysterography, which developed at the University of South Florida, enables exacting observation of endometrial response and has been used at over 55 investigator sites for up to 2 years of treatment in studied of this drug.A modification of this technique was used by Mallinckrodt Medical with a new ultrasound contrast agent, Albunex, which had been used for cardiac imaging. In this case I helped design a protocol to study its use for infertility and evaluation of patency of the fallopian tubes. I presented these data to the FDA in February 1997 and an advisory panel recom- mended that this indication be added for this device.

Academic Experience:1985, Outstanding Senior Resident in Endoscopy, American Assoc. of Gynecologic Laparoscopists;1975, Ben Franklin Honor Society, Roosevelt University;1996, Committee for Strategic Proposal Development for College of Medicine;1996, Search Committee, Dean of School of Nursing;1996, Board of USF Clinical Alliance for Research, Education, and Service (CARES);1996, Faculty Council and Faculty Advocacy Committee;1994-1996, Treasurer, USF Medical Faculty Council;1991-1994, Chair of IRB, Tampa General Hospital;1992-present, Member of IRB, USF College of Medicine;1996-1997, Committee for Strategic Proposal Development for College of Medicine