Research

The Kvist Lab is active in the ever-growing field of pediatric radiology. The lab’s research has branched out like the limbs of a sturdy tree, each extending towards new areas of discovery. These diverse areas of research all stem from a common trunk: the drive to advance medical understanding and improve patient care in young populations.

Image segmentation. Growth plate is segmented manually on a coronal b0 image in both femur (A) and tibia (B). Traced ROI is seen as blue (C & D). Tractography performed when maximum angular turning angle and minimum FA threshold has been added (E and F).

Comparison of μCT (A), histology (B), and DTI (C) at the growth plate in a rabbit study.

Tractography segmentation of the tibia. The tibial growth plate is segmented manually on a sagittall image. From the ROI (traced in white) can tractography be performed when maximum angular turning angle and minimum FA threshold has been added.

Tractography of the distal femur and proximal tibia superimposed on a sagittal T1 image of the knee. (Coverart from Kvist dissertation: Magnetic resonance imaging and advanced imaging assessment of the growth plate in the adolescent and young adult).

Each row is 1 of 5 growth plates studied. Columns represent a different stage of closure in study population. Open arrows in 4a and 4b indicate areas where bone bridging is present. Solid arrows in 4c indicate areas where growth plate is still unfused.

Segmentation of the quadriceps in both legs to determine muscle volume. In the center tractography is performed to visualize the muscle fibres in the traced muscles. (Ongoing project)

Research Areas

Enhanced Visualization Of Long bone growth and Variation in Extremities (EVOLVE)

Various conditions and treatments affect the maturity of an adolescent. We are using advanced imaging techniques to investigate skeletal growth and provide insight into both human development and experimental animal studies.

Perdomo-Luna, Camilo MD; Pepic, Lejla Bs, MD(c); Santos, Laura MD; Kvist, Ola MD, PhD; Sabharwal, Sanjeev MD, MPH; Jambawalikar, Sachin PhD; Hitt, Dave MSc; Kammen, Bamidele MD∥; Jaramillo, Diego MD, MPH. Diffusion Tensor Imaging Detects Functional and Structural Alterations in Post-Traumatic Distal Tibial Physeal Bars: A Preliminary Study. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics 46(6):p e542-e548, July 2026.
Jaramillo, D., Perdomo-Luna, C. & Kvist, O. Evaluation of physeal abnormalities of the knee with MRI. Skeletal Radiol 55, 1933–1945 (2026).

Forensic Radiology

We are investigating medico-legal aspects of radiology—a vital tool in forensic investigations. Current research in the Kvist Lab is focused on the estimation of age in individuals of unknown identity and signs of non-accidental trauma in radiology.

Alzahrani, N.M., Paddock, M., Jeanes, A. et al. Rib fracture diagnosis in suspected abuse: Computed tomography or radiographs (RECEPTOR)? A multicentre diagnostic accuracy observational study. Eur Radiol 36, 4749–4758 (2026).
Heldring N, Rezaie AR, Larsson A, Gahn R, Zilg B, Camilleri S, Saade A, Wesp P, Palm E, Kvist O. A probability model for estimating age in young individuals relative to key legal thresholds: 15, 18 or 21-year. International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2024.

Musculoskeletal Health of Children and Adolescents

Physical activity in children has been associated with several positive outcomes, including but not limited to cardiovascular health, obesity, and enhanced motor skill development. We are correlating ultrasound and MRI as a biomarker for activity or inactivity in healthy children and young adults, as well as adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Horwath, O., Corell, L., Wan, J., Hjalmarsson, E., Starck, J., Reitzner, S. M., Norrbom, J., Fernandez-Gonzalo, R., Kvist, O., Cohen, P., von Walden, F., & Edman, S. (2026). Circulating mitochondrial-derived microproteins at rest and in response to an acute bout of endurance exercise in individuals with cerebral palsy. Experimental Physiology, 1–12.