Joachim Wildberger

Professor

Joachim Wildberger is full Professor of Radiology and Chairman of the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at Maastricht UMC+. In addition, he serves as Director of the Division of Clinical Imaging and Diagnostic Laboratories at Maastrcith UMC+.

Graduated at the Rhenian-Westphalian Technical University (RWTH) in Aachen, Germany, he received his medical degree in 1994. After internships in Cardiology and Diagnostic Radiology (Mönchengladbach/ Leipzig), he started his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the University Hospital Aachen. He was board certified for Diagnostic Radiology in December 1998, and became a fellow/staff member at this department thereafter. He received his PhD in Radiology in 2002, was appointed as vice-chairman of the department in 2006 and received a professorship at the RWTH Aachen in 2007. In July 2007 he became Head of Department, Diagnostic Radiology, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Charité Berlin, Campus Buch, Germany, before moving to his present position.

His per personal research topics are technical developments and functional imaging in computed tomography, contrast media research, cardiac imaging as well as image-guided interventions.

As PI for Imaging within CARIM he focusses on translational research, integrating different imaging modalities into the cardiovascular diagnostic chain, and favours multidisciplinary approaches to improve patient care.

Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht 
PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht
Room number: 4.G2.013
T: +31(0)43 387 49 12

  • 2022
    • Martens, B., Bosschee, J. G. A., Van Kuijk, S. M. J., Jeukens, C. R. L. P. N., Brauer, M. T. H., Wildberger, J. E., & Mihl, C. (2022). Finding the optimal tube current and iterative reconstruction strength in liver imaging; two needles in one haystack. PLOS ONE, 17(4), Article e0266194. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266194
  • 2021
    • Adriaans, B. P., Ramaekers, M. J. F. G., Heuts, S., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Bekkers, S. C. A. M., Westenberg, J. J. M., Lamb, H. J., Wildberger, J. E., & Schalla, S. (2021). Determining the optimal interval for imaging surveillance of ascending aortic aneurysms. Netherlands Heart Journal, 29(12), 623-631. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12471-021-01564-9
    • Nijssen, E. C., & Wildberger, J. E. (2021). A novel risk score for contrast-associated acute kidney injury: the heart of the matter. Lancet, 398(10315), 1941-1943. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(21)02445-4
    • Neeter, L. M. F. H., Raat, H. P. J., Meens-Koreman, S. D., van Stiphout, R. S. A., Timmermans, S. M. E. C., Duvivier, K. M., Smidt, M. L., Wildberger, J. E., Nelemans, P. J., & Lobbes, M. B. I. (2021). The diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced 2D mammography in everyday clinical use. Scientific Reports, 11(1), Article 22224. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01622-7
    • Holtackers, R. J., Wildberger, J. E., Wintersperger, B. J., & Chiribiri, A. (2021). Impact of Field Strength in Clinical Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Investigative Radiology, 56(11), 764-772. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLI.0000000000000809
    • Franks, R., Holtackers, R. J., Alskaf, E., Nazir, M. S., Clapp, B., Wildberger, J. E., Perera, D., Plein, S., & Chiribiri, A. (2021). The impact of dark-blood versus conventional bright-blood late gadolinium enhancement on the myocardial ischemic burden. European Journal of Radiology, 144, Article 109947. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109947
    • van Eerd, M., Patijn, J., Loeffen, D., van Kleef, M., & Wildberger, J. (2021). The Diagnostic Value of an X-ray-based Scoring System for Degeneration of the Cervical Spine: A Reproducibility and Validation Study. Pain Practice, 21(7), 766-777. https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.13013
    • Ramaekers, M. J. F. G., Adriaans, B. P., Juffermans, J. F., van Assen, H. C., Bekkers, S. C. A. M., Scholte, A. J. H. A., Kenjeres, S., Lamb, H. J., Wildberger, J. E., Westenberg, J. J. M., & Schalla, S. (2021). Characterization of Ascending Aortic Flow in Patients With Degenerative Aneurysms. Investigative Radiology, 56(8), 494-500. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLI.0000000000000768
    • Bijvoet, G. P., Holtackers, R. J., Smink, J., Lloyd, T., van den Hombergh, C. L. M., Debie, L. J. B. M., Wildberger, J. E., Vernooy, K., Mihl, C., & Chaldoupi, S.-M. (2021). Transforming a pre-existing MRI environment into an interventional cardiac MRI suite. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 32(8), 2090-2096. https://doi.org/10.1111/jce.15128
    • Holtackers, R. J., Van De Heyning, C. M., Chiribiri, A., Wildberger, J. E., Botnar, R. M., & Kooi, M. E. (2021). Dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance for improved detection of subendocardial scar: a review of current techniques. Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, 23(1), Article 96. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12968-021-00777-6
    • Eijsvoogel, N. G., Hendriks, B. M. F., Kok, M., Mees, B. M. E., Mihl, C., Wildberger, J. E., & Das, M. (2021). Automated tube voltage selection and adapted contrast media injection protocols in CT angiography of the thoracoabdominal aorta. Chinese Journal of Academic Radiology, 4(2), 116-124. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42058-021-00065-3
    • Ibrahim, A., Refaee, T., Primakov, S., Barufaldi, B., Acciavatti, R. J., Granzier, R. W. Y., Hustinx, R., Mottaghy, F. M., Woodruff, H. C., Wildberger, J. E., Lambin, P., & Maidment, A. D. A. (2021). Reply to Orlhac, F.; Buvat, I. Comment on "Ibrahim et al. The Effects of In-Plane Spatial Resolution on CT-Based Radiomic Features' Stability with and without ComBat Harmonization. Cancers 2021, 13, 1848". Cancers, 13(12), Article 3080. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13123080
    • Mulder, M. M. G., Brandts, LI., Brüggemann, R. A. G., Koelmann, M., Streng, A. S., Olie, R. H., Gietema, H. A., Spronk, H. M. H., van der Horst, I. C. C., Sels, J.-W. E. M., Wildberger, J. E., van Kuijk, S. M. J., Schnabel, R. M., Ten Cate, H., Henskens, Y. M. C., & van Bussel, B. C. T. (2021). Serial markers of coagulation and inflammation and the occurrence of clinical pulmonary thromboembolism in mechanically ventilated patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection; the prospective Maastricht intensive care COVID cohort. Thrombosis Journal, 19(1), Article 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12959-021-00286-7
    • Holtackers, R. J., Gommers, S., Van De Heyning, C. M., Mihl, C., Smink, J., Higgins, D. M., Wildberger, J. E., & ter Bekke, R. M. A. (2021). Steadily Increasing Inversion Time Improves Blood Suppression for Free-Breathing 3D Late Gadolinium Enhancement MRI With Optimized Dark-Blood Contrast. Investigative Radiology, 56(5), 335-340. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLI.0000000000000747
    • Ibrahim, A., Refaee, T., Primakov, S., Barufaldi, B., Acciavatti, R. J., Granzier, R. W. Y., Hustinx, R., Mottaghy, F. M., Woodruff, H. C., Wildberger, J. E., Lambin, P., & Maidment, A. D. A. (2021). The Effects of In-Plane Spatial Resolution on CT-Based Radiomic Features' Stability with and without ComBat Harmonization. Cancers, 13(8), Article 1848. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13081848
    • van Cauteren, Y. J. M., Smulders, M. W., Theunissen, R. A. L. J., Gerretsen, S. C., Adriaans, B. P., Bijvoet, G. P., Mingels, A. M. A., van Kuijk, S. M. J., Schalla, S., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Kim, R. J., Wildberger, J. E., Heijman, J., & Bekkers, S. C. A. M. (2021). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance accurately detects obstructive coronary artery disease in suspected non-ST elevation myocardial infarction: a sub-analysis of the CARMENTA Trial. Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, 23(1), Article 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12968-021-00723-6
    • Nijssen, E. C., Rennenberg, R., Nelemans, P., van Ommen, V., & Wildberger, J. E. (2021). Post-Contrast Acute Kidney Injury and Intravenous Prophylactic Hydration: An Update. RöFo-Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der Bildgebenden Verfahren, 193(02), 151-159. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1248-9178
    • Jeukens, C. R. L. P. N., Boere, H., Wagemans, B. A. J. M., Nelemans, P. J., Nijssen, E. C., Smith-Bindman, R., Wildberger, J. E., & Sailer, A. M. (2021). Probability of receiving a high cumulative radiation dose and primary clinical indication of CT examinations: a 5-year observational cohort study. BMJ Open, 11(1), Article 041883. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041883
    • Neeter, L. M. F. H., Raat, H. P. J. F., Alcantara, R., Robbe, Q., Smidt, M. L., Wildberger, J. E., & Lobbes, M. B. I. (2021). Contrast-enhanced mammography: what the radiologist needs to know. BJR Open, 3(1), Article 20210034. https://doi.org/10.1259/bjro.20210034
  • 2020
    • Dudink, E. A. M. P., Weijs, B., Luermans, J. G. L. M., Peeters, F. E. C. M., Altintas, S., Vernooy, K., Pison, L. A. F. G., Haest, R. J., Kragten, J. A., Kietselaer, B. L. J. H., Wildberger, J. E., & Crijns, H. J. G. M. (2020). Concealed Coronary Atherosclerosis In Idiopathic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation is Associated with Imminent Cardiovascular Diseases. Journal of Atrial Fibrillation, 13(4), 51-56. https://doi.org/10.4022/jafib.2321
    • Veeraiah, P., Brouwers, K., Wildberger, J. E., Schrauwen-Hinderling, V. B., & Lindeboom, L. (2020). Application of a BIlinear Rotation Decoupling (BIRD) filter in combination with J-difference editing for indirect 13 C measurements in the human liver. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 84(6), 2911-2917. https://doi.org/10.1002/mrm.28394
    • Bruggemann, R. A. G., Spaetgens, B., Gietema, H. A., Brouns, S. H. A., Stassen, P. M., Magdelijns, F. J., Rennenberg, R. J., Henry, R. M. A., Mulder, M. M. G., van Bussel, B. C. T., Schnabel, R. M., van der Horst, I. C. C., Wildberger, J. E., Stehouwer, C. D. A., & ten Cate, H. (2020). The prevalence of pulmonary embolism in patients with COVID-19 and respiratory decline: A three-setting comparison. Thrombosis Research, 196, 486-490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2020.10.012
    • Vargas, C. S., Bauwens, M., Pooters, I. N. A., Pomme, S., Peters, S. M. B., Segbers, M., Jentzen, W., Vogg, A., van Velden, F. H. P., Viol, S. L. M., Gotthardt, M., Mottaghy, F. M., Wildberger, J. E., Covens, P., & Wierts, R. (2020). An international multi-center investigation on the accuracy of radionuclide calibrators in nuclear medicine theragnostics. EJNMMI Physics, 7(1), Article 69. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40658-020-00338-3
    • Martens, B., Wildberger, J. E., Hendriks, B. M. F., Van Kuijk, S. M. J., Nijssen, E. C., Peters, N. H. G. M., De Vos-Geelen, J., & Mihl, C. (2020). A Solution for Homogeneous Liver Enhancement in Computed Tomography: Results From the COMpLEx Trial. Investigative Radiology, 55(10), 666-672. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLI.0000000000000693
    • Martens, B., Hendriks, B. M. F., Mihl, C., & Wildberger, J. E. (2020). Tailoring Contrast Media Protocols to Varying Tube Voltages in Vascular and Parenchymal CT Imaging: The 10-to-10 Rule. Investigative Radiology, 55(10), 673-676. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLI.0000000000000682
    • Bruls, Y. M. H., Op den Kamp, Y. J. M., Phielix, E., Lindeboom, L., Havekes, B., Schaart, G., Moonen-Kornips, E., Wildberger, J. E., Hesselink, M. K. C., Schrauwen, P., & Schrauwen-Hinderling, V. B. (2020). L-carnitine infusion does not alleviate lipid-induced insulin resistance and metabolic inflexibility. PLOS ONE, 15(9), Article 0239506. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0239506
    • Wildberger, J. E., & Prokop, M. (2020). Hounsfield's Legacy. Investigative Radiology, 55(9), 556-558. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLI.0000000000000680
    • Eijsvoogel, N. G., Hendriks, B. M. F., Martens, B., Gerretsen, S. C., Gommers, S., van Kuijk, S. M. J., Mihl, C., Wildberger, J. E., & Das, M. (2020). The performance of non-ECG gated chest CT for cardiac assessment: The cardiac pathologies in chest CT (CaPaCT) study. European Journal of Radiology, 130, Article 109151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2020.109151
    • de Wit-Verheggen, V. H. W., Altintas, S., Spee, R. J. M., Mihl, C., van Kuijk, S. M. J., Wildberger, J. E., Schrauwen-Hinderling, V. B., Kietselaer, B. L. J. H., & van de Weijer, T. (2020). Pericardial fat and its influence on cardiac diastolic function. Cardiovascular Diabetology, 19(1), Article 129. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-020-01097-2
    • Peeters, F. E. C. M., Dudink, E. A. M. P., Weijs, B., Fabritz, L., Chua, W., Kietselaer, B. L. J. H., Wildberger, J. E., Meex, S. J. R., Kirchhof, P., Crijns, H. J. G. M., & Schurgers, L. J. (2020). Biomarkers Associated With Aortic Valve Calcification: Should We Focus on Sex Specific Processes?Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 8, Article 604. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2020.00604
    • Gietema, H. A., Zelis, N., Nobel, J. M., Lambriks, L. J. G., van Alphen, L. B., Lashof, A. M. L. O., Wildberger, J. E., Nelissen, I. C., & Stassen, P. M. (2020). CT in relation to RT-PCR in diagnosing COVID-19 in The Netherlands: A prospective study. PLOS ONE, 15(7), Article e0235844. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235844
    • Nijssen, E. C., Nelemans, P. J., Rennenberg, R. J., van der Molen, A. J., van Ommen, G. V., & Wildberger, J. E. (2020). Impact on clinical practice of updated guidelines on iodinated contrast material: CINART. European Radiology, 30(7), 4005-4013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-020-06719-7
    • Heuts, S., Adriaans, B. P., Rylski, B., Mihl, C., Bekkers, S. C. A. M., Olsthoorn, J. R., Natour, E., Bouman, H., Berezowski, M., Kosiorowska, K., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Maessen, J. G., Wildberger, J., Schalla, S., & Sardari Nia, P. (2020). Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of maximal aortic diameter, length and volume for prediction of aortic dissection. Heart, 106(12), 892-897. https://doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2019-316251
    • Horehledova, B., Mihl, C., Boswijk, E., Crombag, G. A. J. C., Nijssen, E. C., Nelemans, P. J., Veenstra, L. F., Wildberger, J. E., & Das, M. (2020). Retrospectively ECG-gated helical vs. non-ECG-synchronized high-pitch CTA of the aortic root for TAVI planning. PLOS ONE, 15(5), Article 0232673. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232673
    • Reymen, B. J. T., van Gisbergen, M. W., Even, A. J. G., Zegers, C. M. L., Das, M., Vegt, E., Wildberger, J. E., Mottaghy, F. M., Yaromina, A., Dubois, L. J., van Elmpt, W., De Ruysscher, D., & Lambin, P. (2020). Nitroglycerin as a radiosensitizer in non-small cell lung cancer: Results of a prospective imaging-based phase II trial. Clinical and Translational Radiation Oncology, 21, 49-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctro.2019.12.002
    • Jeukens, C. R. L. P. N., Kutterer, G., Kicken, P. J., Frantzen, M. J., van Engelshoven, J. M. A., Wildberger, J. E., & Kemerink, G. J. (2020). Gonad shielding in pelvic radiography: modern optimised X-ray systems might allow its discontinuation. Insights into Imaging, 11(1), Article 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-019-0828-1
    • Adriaans, B. P., Westenberg, J. J. M., van Cauteren, Y. J. M., Gerretsen, S., Elbaz, M. S. M., Bekkers, S. C. A. M., Veenstra, L. F., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Wildberger, J. E., & Schalla, S. (2020). Clinical assessment of aortic valve stenosis: Comparison between 4D flow MRI and transthoracic echocardiography. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 51(2), 472-480. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmri.26847
    • Eijsvoogel, N. G., Hendriks, B. M. F., Nelemans, P., Mihl, C., Willigers, J., Martens, B., Wildberger, J. E., & Das, M. (2020). Personalization of CM Injection Protocols in Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (People CT Trial). Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging, 2020, Article 5407936. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/5407936
    • Tas, J., van Gassel, R. J. J., Heines, S. J. H., Mulder, M. M. G., Heijnen, N. F. L., Acampo-de Jong, M. J., Bels, J. L. M., Bennis, F. C., Koelmann, M., Groven, R. V. M., Donkers, M. A., van Rosmalen, F., Hermans, B. J. M., Meex, S. J. R., Mingels, A., Bekers, O., Savelkoul, P., Oude Lashof, A. M. L., Wildberger, J., ... van Bussel, B. C. T. (2020). Serial measurements in COVID-19-induced acute respiratory disease to unravel heterogeneity of the disease course: design of the Maastricht Intensive Care COVID cohort (MaastrICCht). BMJ Open, 10(9), Article 040175. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040175
  • 2019
    • Neeter, L. M. F. H., Houben, I. P. L., Nelemans, P. J., Van Nijnatten, T. J. A., Pijnappel, R. M., Frotscher, C., Osinga-de Jong, M., Sanders, F., Van Dalen, T., Raat, H. P. J., Essers, B. A. B., Wildberger, J. E., Smidt, M. L., & Lobbes, M. B. (2019). Rapid Access to Contrast-Enhanced spectral mammogRaphy in women recalled from breast cancer screening: the RACER trial study design. Trials, 20(1), Article 759. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3867-5
    • Adriaans, B. P., Wildberger, J. E., Westenberg, J. J. M., Lamb, H. J., & Schalla, S. (2019). Predictive imaging for thoracic aortic dissection and rupture: moving beyond diameters. European Radiology, 29(12), 6396-6404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-019-06320-7
    • Boswijk, E., Franssen, R., Vijgen, G. H. E. J., Wierts, R., van Der Pol, J. A. J., Mingels, A. M. A., Cornips, E. M. J., Majoie, M. H. J. M., van Marken Lichtenbelt, W. D., Mottaghy, F. M., Wildberger, J. E., & Bucerius, J. (2019). Short-term discontinuation of vagal nerve stimulation alters 18F-FDG blood pool activity: an exploratory interventional study in epilepsy patients. EJNMMI Research, 9(1), Article 101. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13550-019-0567-9
    • Smulders, M. W., Kietselaer, B. L. J. H., Wildberger, J. E., Dagnelie, P. C., Brunner-La Rocca, H.-P., Mingels, A. M. A., van Cauteren, Y. J. M., Theunissen, R. A. L. J., Post, M. J., Schalla, S., van Kuijk, S. M. J., Das, M., Kim, R. J., Crijns, H. J. G. M., & Bekkers, S. C. A. M. (2019). Initial Imaging-Guided Strategy Versus Routine Care in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 74(20), 2466-2477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.09.027
    • Bruls, Y. M. H., de Ligt, M., Lindeboom, L., Phielix, E., Havekes, B., Schaart, G., Kornips, E., Wildberger, J. E., Hesselink, M. K. C., Muoio, D., Schrauwen, P., & Schrauwen-Hinderling, V. B. (2019). Carnitine supplementation improves metabolic flexibility and skeletal muscle acetylcarnitine formation in volunteers with impaired glucose tolerance: A randomised controlled trial. EBioMedicine, 49, 318-330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.10.017
    • Lobbes, M. B., Hecker, J., Houben, I. P. L., Pluymakers, R., Jeukens, C., Laji, U. C., Gommers, S., Wildberger, J. E., & Nelemans, P. J. (2019). Evaluation of single-view contrast-enhanced mammography as novel reading strategy: a non-inferiority feasibility study. European Radiology, 29(11), 6211-6219. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-019-06215-7
    • Rengo, M., Dharampal, A., Lubbers, M., Kock, M., Wildberger, J. E., Das, M., Niezen, A., van Tilborg, F., Kofflard, M., Laghi, A., Krestin, G., & Nieman, K. (2019). Impact of iodine concentration and iodine delivery rate on contrast enhancement in coronary CT angiography: a randomized multicenter trial (CT-CON). European Radiology, 29(11), 6109-6118. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-019-06196-7
    • Nijssen, E. C., Nelemans, P. J., Wildberger, J. E., & AMACING Investigators (2019). Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(13), 1295-1296. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMc1908879
    • Houben, I. P. L., Vanwetswinkel, S., Kalia, M., Thywissen, T., Nelemans, P. J., Heuts, E. M., Smidt, M. L., Meyer-Baese, A., Wildberger, J. E., & Lobbes, M. B. (2019). Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography in the evaluation of breast suspicious calcifications: diagnostic accuracy and impact on surgical management. Acta Radiologica, 60(9), 1110-1117. https://doi.org/10.1177/0284185118822639
    • Nijssen, E. C., Nelemans, P. J., Rennenberg, R. J., Theunissen, R. A., van Ommen, V., & Wildberger, J. E. (2019). Prophylaxis in High-Risk Patients With eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) Get the Balance Right. Investigative Radiology, 54(9), 580-588. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLI.0000000000000570
    • Peerlings, J., Paulis, L., Mitea, C., Bakers, F., Berbee, M., Wierts, R., Voo, S., Wildberger, J., Hoffmann, A., Lambin, P., & Mottaghy, F. (2019). Performing clinical 18F-FDG-PET/MRI of the mediastinum optimising a dedicated, patient-friendly protocol. Nuclear Medicine Communications, 40(8), 815-826. https://doi.org/10.1097/MNM.0000000000001035