Tribute Prof. Elliott Lasser
It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Dr. Elliott Lasser. He died in his sleep at home on March 4 2023, having celebrated his 100th birthday in November 2022.
Dr. Lasser was the first chair of Radiology at the University of California San Diego. He believed in the power of academic medicine and he did clinical work, research and teaching in addition to administration. For many years his laboratory was at the Salk Surge facility in La Jolla. I enjoyed the view from there when I did my experimental research under his supervision in 1980. He was a great mentor.
Dr. Lasser was the first to elucidate the chemical reactions and science behind contrast reactions. He published many articles including one that was considered the landmark of his research. He discovered that contrast agents could be used to either cause or prevent mast cell activation. He proved that iodixanol acted as a mast cell inhibitor and could block mast cell mediated allergy. He went on to do research on how iodixanol could prevent a range of other undesirable medical conditions including migraines, viral infections, the common cold, even COVID infection. Even after his 100th birthday he was still doing research.
The international contrast media reseach (CMR) meetings were initiated by Dr. Lasser in 1970 and there have been more than 23 meetings since then. They have been and continue to be unique gatherings where top-level researchers from academia and industry have the opportunity of exchanging up-to-date thoughts and new data in a congenial and open forum. Program topics include, but are not limited to: iodinated contrast agents, ultrasound contrast agents, novel contrast agents, MR contrast agents, cellular and molecular imaging and adverse events associated with contrast agent administration.
Dr. Lasser was always very supportive. When an American healthcare company took me to the British High Court because I had suggested that there were problems with their gadolinium based contrast agent he called the managers of the company to speak in my support. Dr. Lasser was a wonderful person and a great friend.
Henrik S. Thomsen
ESUR Honorary Member
ESUR Special Award ”Innovation in Urogenital Radiology”
I am thankful to Professor Lee Talner for his great help making this obituary
Michele Bertolotto
ESUR President
Fig. Two honorary members of ESUR flanking Professor Elliott Lasser. To the left: Professor Lee Talner and to the right Professor Henrik S. Thomsen
