SUMMARY
John C. Benson, M.D., is a neuroradiologist involved in several different areas of research. His work focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid leaks, temporal bone and inner ear imaging, and the imaging of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, he leads a multidisciplinary effort to report on the radiology-pathology correlations of tumors in the brain and spine.
Focus areas
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Dr. Benson studies the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of various types of CSF leaks, particularly spontaneous spinal CSF leaks. Recently, Dr. Benson and his colleagues have:
- Identified key intracranial markers of CSF hypotension.
- Created a new deep learning algorithm to identify people with intracranial hypotension based on unusual changes seen on brain MRI.
- Completed some of the earliest studies of dynamic CT myelography using photon-counting detector CT scans.
- Temporal bone and inner ear imaging. Along with his colleagues, Dr. Benson has published extensively in the field of inner ear and temporal bone imaging. His interests include describing and characterizing microanatomical structures and various forms of pathology using photon-counting detector CT scanners. Dr. Benson's inner ear imaging research concentrates on imaging features, prognostic indicators and findings related to treating vestibular schwannomas.
- Carotid artery plaque imaging. Much of Dr. Benson's work with atherosclerosis imaging involves evaluating vulnerable plaque features. Such features include various forms of atherosclerotic plaques that are more susceptible to sudden change, growth or embolization. Dr. Benson studies the characterization of carotid artery plaques using both CT and MRI. Currently, he is the co-investigator for a Center for Clinical and Translational Science Benefactor-Funded Research Career Development Award. The purpose of this grant is to develop a deep learning algorithm for detecting intraplaque hemorrhage using CT angiography.
Significance to patient care
Over the past few years, spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) has become increasingly recognized as a major cause of neurological symptoms, including orthostatic headaches, tinnitus and hearing loss. SIH most frequently results from spontaneous spinal CSF leaks. Dr. Benson and his colleagues have developed new techniques to both diagnose and treat CSF leaks. This work is contributing to Mayo Clinic's now becoming an international destination for people with CSF leak disorders.
Dr. Benson's group has been among the first to describe the use of photon-counting CT. This newer, state-of-the-art type of CT is applied in temporal bone imaging. The technology allows for far superior visualization and characterization of middle- and inner ear imaging. It also can be performed using less radiation, reducing the dose that people receive during scans.
Research shows that atherosclerotic plaques are not all alike. Many plaques have high-risk histologic features that greatly increase the risk of stroke. Dr. Benson and his colleagues have contributed to understanding how these plaque characteristics appear on CT and MRI scans. They also are in the process of developing a deep learning algorithm to identify intraplaque hemorrhage on CT scans.
Professional highlights
- Senior fellow, Academy of Educational Excellence, Mayo Clinic, 2023-present.
- Eric Abraham and Sigrid Rausing Career Development Award in Cardiovascular Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 2023-present.
- President and founder, Resident Leadership Academy, Mayo Clinic, 2021-present.
- Member, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, 2012-present.