Richard D. Bellah, MD, FAAP

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Richard D. Bellah, MD, FAAP, is a radiologist and director of Ultrasound and Student Programs at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Areas of Expertise: General pediatric radiology, GU Radiology, Ultrasound
Locations: Main Hospital
Appointments and Referrals: 1-800-TRY-CHOP (1-800-879-2467)

Education and Training

Medical School

MD - Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

Residency

Diagnostic Radiology - Ochsner Medical Institutions, New Orleans, LA
Pediatrics - Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, VA
Diagnostic Radiology - Tulane Medical Center/Charity Hospital of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA (Chief Resident)
Pediatric Radiology - Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA (Senior Resident)

Fellowship

Radiology - Boston's Children's Hospital, Boston, MA

Board Certification

Diagnostic Radiology – American Board of Radiology
Pediatric Radiology – American Board of Radiology
Pediatrics – American Board of Pediatrics

Titles and Academic Titles

Pediatric Radiologist

Director, Division of Ultrasound

Director, Pediatric Imaging Center, Specialty Care King of Prussia

Associate Professor of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Departments and Services

Publications

Papers

2021

Chow JS, Bellah RD, Darge K, Ntoulia A, Phelps AS, Riccabona M, Back SJ: Contrast-enhanced genitosonography and colosonography: emerging alternatives to fluoroscopy. Pediatric Radiology May 2021 Notes: doi: 10.1007/s00247-020-04770-6. Epub ahead of print.

2018

Ntoulia A, Back SJ, Shellikeri S, Poznick L, Morgan T, Kerwood J, Christopher Edgar J, Bellah RD, Reid JR, Jaramillo D, Canning DA, Darge K: Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS) with the intravesical administration of ultrasound contrast agent Optison™ for vesicoureteral reflux detection in children: a prospective clinical trial. Pediatric Radiology 48(2): 216-226, February 2018. PMCID: 29181582

2017

Rapp JB, Bellah RD, Maya C, Pawel BR, Anupindi SA: Giant hepatic regenerative nodules in Alagille syndrome. Pediatric Radiology 47(2): 197-204, February 2017.

Rapp JB, Bellah RD, Maya C, Pawel BR, Anupindi SA: Frequency and pathogenesis of central liver nodules in Alagille syndrome patients: Reply to Libbrecht and Cassiman. Pediatric Radiology 47(8): 1025, July 2017.

Gongidi P, Bellah RD: Ultrasound of the pediatric appendix. Pediatric Radiology 47(9): 1091-1100, August 2017.

Nelson CE, Kaplan S, Bellah RD, Chen AE: Sonographically occult abscesses of the Buttock and perineum in children. Pediatric Emergency Care September 2017 Notes: Sep 25 Epub ahead of print.

2016

Moodalbail DG, Apple LZ, Meyer KE, Ginsberg JP, Kaplan BS, Bellah RD: Acquired multiple cysts of the kidney in neuroblastoma survivors. American Journal of Kidney Disease 68(1): 134-137, July 2016.

Wang X, Qian L, Jia L, Bellah RD, Wang N, Xin Y, Liu Q: Utility of shear wave elastography for differentiating biliary atresia from infantile hepatitis syndrome. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine 35(7): 1475-1479, July 2016.

Rapp JB, Bellah RD, May C, Pawel BR, Anupindi SA: Giant hepatic regenerative nodules in Alagille syndrome. Pediatric Radiology October 2016 Notes: Epub ahead of print.

2015

Hamdy RF, Stein RE, Bellah RD, Grossman AB, Hodinka RL, Feemster KA: Gallbladder Wall Thickening in an Adolescent With Acute Mononucleosis: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society 4(3): 267-271, September 2015.

2014

Bellah RD, Ntoulia A, Pena A, Kolon T, Meyer J: Radiologic appearance of the urethra  following incision of posterior urethral valves in children (submitted for publication) September 2014.

Anupindi SA, Halverson M, Khwaja A, Jeckovic M, Wang X, Bellah RD: Common and  uncommon applications of bowel ultrasound with pathologic correlation in  children. Am J Roentgenol 202(5): 946-959, May 2014.

2013

Kohen D, Hanhan S, Bellah RD: Paget-Schroetter syndrome in a lacrosse player. Delaware Medical Journal 85(3): 77-79, March 2013. PMCID: 23631108

Darge K, Higgins M, Hwang TJ, Delgado J, Shukla A, Bellah RD: Magnetic resonance and computed tomography in pediatric urology: an imaging overview for current and future daily practice. Radiologic Clinics of North America 51(4): 583-598, July 2013. PMCID: 23830787

Kwal G, Bellah RD: Sonography of Pediatric Portal Hypertension. Ultrasound Clinics of North America (in process) 2013.

2012

Kotecha M, Bellah RD, Pena A, Mattei P: Multimodality imaging manifestations of the Meckel diverticulum in children. Pediatric Radiology 42(1): 95-103, January 2012 Notes: Epub 2011 Oct 9.

Renjen P, Bellah R, Hellinger JC, Darge K: Advances in uroradiologic imaging in children. Radiological Clinics of North America 50(2): 207-218, March 2012 Notes: Epub 2012 Mar 3.

2011

Butler M, Servaes S, Bellah R: "Cystic displasia of the testis: spontaneous regression" Pediatric Radiology 41(10): 1346-1348, October 2011. PMCID: epub 2011 May 24

Bellah RD, Kreiger PA, Pena A, Carpentieri D, Stern J: "Endodermal sinus tumor of the vagina" Ultrasound and MRI findings submitted, 2011.

2010

Renjen P, Bellah R, Hellinge JC, Darge K: Pediatric urologic advanced imaging: techniques and applications. Urologic Clinics of North America 37(2): 307-318, May 2010.

Renjen P, Bellah R, Hellinger JC, Darge K: "Pediatric urologic advanced imaging: techniques and applications" Urologic Clinics of North America 37(2): 307-318, May 2010.

Servaes S, Bellah RD, Verma R, Pawel B: "Lipoprotein lipase deficiency with visceral xanthomas" Pediatric Radiology 40(8): 1440-1442, August 2010. PMCID: epub 2010 February 9

2009

Bike DM, Anupindi SA, Hernandez A, Kersun L, Bellah RD: "Childhood Burkitt's Lymphoma: Review of abdominal and pelvic imaging findings" American Journal of Radiology 192(5): 1304-1315, May 2009.

Drohobyczer D, Bellah RD: "Polycystic ovaries in Leprechaunism" Pediatric Radiology 40: 371, March 2010. PMCID: epub 2009 August 18

2008

Kolon TF, Clement MR, Cartwright L, Bellah RD, Carr MC, Canning DA, Snyder HM: "Transient asynchronous testicular growth in adolescent males with a varicocele" The Journal of Urology 180(3): 1111-1114, September 2008. PMCID: discussion 1114-5 epub 2008 July 182006

Mollen CJ, Pletcher JR, Bellah RD, Lavelle JM: "Prevalence of tubo-ovarian abscess in adolescents diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease in a pediatric emergency department. Pediatric Emergency Care 22(9): 621-625, September 2006.

Mollen CJ, Pletcher JR, Bellah RD, Suzuki L, Lavelle J: Prevalence of tubo-ovarian abscess in adolescents diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease in a pediatric emergency department. Journal of Adolescent Health 22(9): 621-625, September 2006.

Mong A, Bellah R: "Imaging of the pediatric prostate" Radiologic Clinics of North America 44(5): 749-756, September 2006.

2005

Bellah R, Suzuki-Bordalo L, Brecher E, Ginsberg L, Maris J, Pawal BR: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor in the abdomen and pelvis: report of CT findings in 11 affected children and young adults American Journal of Radiology 184(6): 1910-1914, June 2005.

Pastuszko P, Rome J, Gleason M, Bellah R, Montenegro L, Gaynor W: : Hemoptysis following CardioSEAL device embolization of a venous collateral after the Fontan operation. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 129(6): 1447-1448, June 2005.

Kiddoo DA, Bellah RD, Carr MC: Crossed-fused ectopic multicystic dysplastic kidney with associated ureterocele. Urology 66(2): 432e3 - 432e5, August 2005.

Wilde G, Moore D, Bellah RD: Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric recipients of solid organ transplants: timing and location of disease. American Journal of Roentgenology 185: 1335-1341, November 2005.

2004

Shukla A, Bellah R, Canning D, Carr M, Snyder H, Patel R, Zderic S: Giant bladder diverticula causing bladder outlet obstruction in children. Journal of Urology 172(5 Pt 1): 1977-1979, November 2004.

2003

Rusnack SL, Wu H, Huff DS, Snyder III HM, Carr MC, Bellah RD, Zderic SA, Canning : Testis histopathology in boys with cryptorchidism correlates with future fertility potential The Journal of Urology 169: 659-662, February 2003.

Kader, HA, Bellah R, Maller ES, Mamula P, Piccoli DA, Markowitz JE: The utility of ultrasound site selection for pediatric percutaneous liver biopsy. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 36(3): 364-367, March 2003.

Yang S-G, Fogel M, Stephens, Jr. P, Bellah R, Weinberg PW: Non-Invasive imaging of isolated persistent fifth aortic arch. Pediatric Cardiology 24(2): 179-181, March-April 2003. PMCID: epub 2002 Feb 10

2002

Strouse PJ, Haller JO, Berdon WE, Rosovky MA, Bellah RD, Barr, Jr. M: Horseshoe adrenal gland in association with asplenia: presentation of six new cases and review of the literature. Pediatric Radiology 32(11): 778-782, November 2002. PMCID: epub 2002 July 27

Wu H, Rusnack SL, Bellah RD, Plachter N, McDonald-McGinn DM, Zackai EH, Canning DA: Genitourinary malformations in chromosome 22q11.2 deletion. Journal of Urology 168(6): 2564-2565, December 2002.

2001

Rusnack S, Wu H., Huff DS, Snyder HM, Carr M, Bellah RD, Zderic S, Canning D: Testis Histopathology in cryptorchid boys correlates with future spermiograms. Dialogues in Pediatric Urology 24: 4-8, 2001.

2000

Weinstein SP, Conant EF, Orel SG, Zuckerman JA, Bellah R: Spectrum of US findings in pediatric and adolescent patients with palpable breast masses. Radiographics 20(6): 1613-1621, Nov-Dec 2000.

1999

Evans DE, Meyer JS, Harty MP, Bellah RD: Can post-void renal sonography accurately predict vesicoureteral reflux in children? Pediatric Radiology 29: 291-294, 1999.

Kaplan B, Bellah RD: Postaxial polydactyly, ulnar ray dysgenesis, and renal cystic dysplasia in sibs. American Journal of Medicine Genetics 87(5): 426-429, December 1999.

1998

Ramos FJ, Kaplan BS, Bellah RD, Zackai EH, Kaplan P.: Further evidence that the Hajdu-Cheney syndrome and the "serpentine fibula-polycystic kidney syndrome" are a single entity. American Journal of Medicine Genetics 78(5): 474-481, August 1998.

1997

Liacouras G, Scott C, Bellah RD: Endoscopic finding in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: appearance in classic and evolving disease. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 45(5): 371-374, May 1997.

1996

Slap GB, Forke CM, Cnaan A, Bellah RD, Hanissian JA, Gallagher PR, Driscoll DA: Recognition of tubo-ovarian abscess in adolescents with pelvic inflammatorydisease. Journal of Adolescent Health 18(6): 397-403, June 1996.

Das D, Hebra A, Bellah RD, Davidoff A, Schnaufer L: Alimentary tract duplications in children. Have we made any progress in managing this old anomaly & quest. South Medical Journal 89: 128-129, October 1996.

Bellah RD, States L, Duckett J: "Pseudoprune-Belly syndrome: imaging, findings, and clinical outcome" American Journal of Radiology 167(6): 1389-1393, December 1996.

1995

Kizer JR, Bellah RD, Schnaufer L, Canning DA: Meconium hydrocele in a female newborn: An unusual cause of labial mass. Journal of Urology 153(1): 188-190, January 1995.

Kaplan P, Ramos F, Zackai EH, Bellah RD, Kaplan BS: Cystic kidney disease in Hajdu-Cheney Syndrome. American Journal of Medical Genetics 56(1): 25-30, March 1995.

Crecelius S, Bellah RD: Pheochromocytoma of the bladder in an adolescent: Sonographic and MRI findings. American Journal of Radiology 165(1): 101-103, July 1995.

Bellah RD, Long FR, Canning D: Ureterocele eversion with vesicoureteral reflux in duplex kidneys: Findings at voiding cystourethrography. American Journal of Radiology 165(2): 409-413, August 1995.

Meyer JS, Harmon CM, Harty MP, Markowitz RI, Hubbard AM, Bellah RD: Ovarian torsion: Clinical and imaging presentation in children. Journal of Pediatric Surgery 30(10): 1433-1436, October 1995.

Kobayashi M, Kaplan BS, Bellah RD, Sartore M et al: Infundibulopelvic stenosis, multicystic kidney and calycectasis in a kindred: Clinical observations and genetic analysis. American Journal of Medical Genetics 59(2): 218-224, November 1995.

1994

Goldwag SS, Bellah RD, Ward KJ, Kogutt MS: Sonographic detection of Menetrier's disease in children. Journal of Clinical Ultrasound 22(9): 567-570, Nov-Dec 1994.

Segal SR, Sherman NH, Rosenberg HK, Kirby CL, Caro PA, Bellah RD, Sagerman JE, Horrow MM: Ultrasonographic features of gastrointestinal duplication. Journal of Ultrasound Medicine 13(11): 863-870, November 1994.

Hirschl RB, Coburn CE, Bellah RD: Radiologic recognition of hemothorax during neonatal ECMO. Pediatric Surgery International 9: 251-253, 1994.

Schoor RA, Canning DA, Bellah RD, Snyder H, Duckett JW, Krasnapolski L, Wein AJ,Levin RM: Ultrasound diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction in rabbits. Neurourology Urodynamics 13(5): 559-569, 1994.

1993

Goyal MK, Bellah RD, Schmelling D: Neonatal small bowel obstruction due to Meckel's diverticulitis: Diagnosis by ultrasonography. Journal of Ultrasound Medicine 12(2): 119-122, February 1993.

Mandell GA, Bellah RD, Boulden ME, Sherman NH, Harcke HT, Padman RJ, McNicholas KW: Cervical trachea: Dynamics in response to herniation of the normal thymus. Radiology 186(2): 383-386, February 1993.

Levy JB, Baskin LS, Ewalt DH, Zderic SA, Bellah RD, Snyder HM, Templeton J, Duckett JW: Nonoperative management of blunt pediatric major renal trauma. Urology 42(4): 418-424, October 1993.

Markowitz RI, Hubbard AM, Harty P, Bellah RD, Kessler A, Meyer JS: Sonography of the knee in normal and abused infants. Pediatric Radiology 23(4): 264-267, 1993.

1992

Rosenberg HK, Markowitz RI, Kolberg H, Park C, Hubbard AM, Bellah RD: Normal splenic size in infants and children: Sonographic measurements. American Journal of RadiologyYearbook of Ultrasound 1992 157: 119-121, July 1992.

Mahboubi S, Bellah RD: CT evaluation of tracheobronchial tumors in children. Int. Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology 24(2): 135-143, September 1992.

Markowitz RI, Davidson RS, Harty MP, Bellah RD, Hubbard A, Rosenberg: Sonography of the elbow in infants and children: A pictorial essay. American Journal of Radiology 159(4): 829-833, October 1992.

Bellah RD, Mahboubi S, Berdon WE: Malignant endobronchial lesions of adolescence. Pediatric Radiology 22(8): 563-567, 1992.

Bellah RD, Zawodniak L, Harris MC, Librizzi RJ: Idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy: Prenatal and postnatal effects of therapy in infancy. Journal of Pediatrics 121(6): 930-933, December 1992.

Markowitz RI, Davidson R, Schneck S, Harty P, Bellah RD, Hubbard AM,Rosenberg HK: Sonography of the pediatric elbow: Normal anatomy, clinical applications and limitations. Radiology 181: 153, 1992.

1991

Schmidt ME, Preston A, Bellah RD: The "pseudo-ring-sling" Complex in unilateral pulmonary agenesis. Clinical Imaging 15(1): 59-61, Jan-Mar 1991.

Bellah RD, Summerville DA, Treves ST, Micheli L: Low back pain in adolescent athletes: Detection of stress injury to the pars Interarticularis with SPECT (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography) Radiology 180(2): 509-512, August 1991.

Bellah RD, Rosenberg HK: Transvaginal ultrasound in a children's hospital:Is it worthwhile? Pediatric Radiology 21(8): 570-574, 1991.

1989

Bellah RD, Griscom NT: Torsion of normal uterine adnexa before menarche: CT appearance. American Journal of Radiology 152(1): 123-124, January 1989.

Bellah RD, D'Andrea A, Davillis E, Fellows KE: The association of congenital neuroblastoma and congenital heart disease: Is there an embryologic basis? Pediatric Radiology 19: 119-121, 1989.

Bellah RD, Teele RL: Anomalous portal venous connection to the suprahepatic vena cava: sonographic demonstration. Pediatric Radiology 20(1-2): 115-117, 1989.

1987

Bellah R, Meyer J, Soyupak SK, Noh P, Canning D: Post-operative appearance of the urethra following posterior urethral valve incision. American Journal of Medicine

Wu H, Bellah RD, Canning DA, Zderic SA, Snyder HM, Carr MC: The role of trigonal Distortion in determining vesicoureteral reflux after ureterocele decompression. Journal of Urology.

Campeau RJ, Bellah RD, Varma DK: Pathologic fractures in a patient with renal osteodystrophy: Failure of early detection on bone scan. Clinical Nuclear Medicine 12(7): 510-513, July 1987.

Books

Chapters
2014

Weiss D, Canning D, Bellah R. Pediatric Urethra in: Palmer, LS and Palmer, J. Pediatric and Adolescent Uroradiology: 2013, Springer: 2014.

2013

Kassa Darge, MD, PhD, Mikhail Higgins, MD, MPH, Tiffany J. Hwang, BSc, Jorge Delgado, 2Assem Shukla, MD, Richard Bellah, MD:  MR and CT in Pediatric Urology: An Imaging Overview for Current and Future Daily Practice. In: Radiologic Clinics of North America: (51) 583-598, 2013.

Tilak G, Bellah RD: Sonography of Pediatric Portal Hypertension. In: Ultrasound Clinics of North America 8(2): 285-298, 2013.

2012

Renjen P, Bellah RD, Hellinger J, Darge K.  Advances in Uroradiologic Imaging in Children.  In: Radiologic Clinics of North America 50(2): 207-218, 2012.

2010

Bellah RD:  Pediatric Uroradiology.  In: Katz DS, Math KR, Groskin SA (3rd Edition.): Radiology Secrets.  Philadelphia:  Hanley and Belfus, Inc.; pp. 391-403, 2010. 

Renjen P, Bellah RD, Hellinger J, Darge K: Advances in Pediatric Uroimaging. In: Urologic Clinics of North America 37(2): 307-318, 2010.

Bellah RD, Darge K, Epelman M:  Sonography in the Evaluation of Pediatric Urinary  Tract Infection. In. Ultrasound Clinics of North America 5(1), 1-14, 2010.

2006

Bellah RD. Pediatric uroradiology. In:  Katz DS, Math KR, Groskin SA, editors. Radiology secrets. 2nd Edition. Philadelphia: Hanley and Belfus, Inc.; 2006. p 474-485.

Bellah, RD. Intracranial hemorrhage and ischemia in the premature infant. In: Bluth EI, Arger P, Benson C, Siegel M, Ralls P, editors. The practice of ultrasonography. 2nd Edition.

Servaes S, Bellah RD. Ultrasound of pediatric painful extremity. In: Ultrasound clinics of North America. 2006. 20061(3);497-507

Mong A, Bellah RD. Imaging of pediatric prostate. In: Radiological clinics of North America. 2006. 44(5);749-756.

2004

Olutaye O, Bellah RD, Strafford D. Ultrasound usage in emergency setting: pediatrics. In: Handbook of ultrasound for surgeons. Georgetown, Texas: Landes Bioscience; 2004. p 55-64

Conery J, Bellah RD, Johnson A:  Pediatric Uroimaging. In:  Kaplan B, Meyers K, editors. Pediatric nephrology and urology: the requisites. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2004. p 22-32.

2001

Bellah RD: Ultrasound in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Disease: Technique and Applications: Pediatric Musculoskeletal Radiology, Radiologic Clinics of North America 39(4): 597-618, 2001.

2000

Bellah, RD: Intracranial Hemorrhage and Ischemia in the Premature Infant.  In: Bluth, EI, Arger P, Benson C, Siegel M, Ralls P (Eds.): The Practice of Ultrasonography. New York: Thieme, 2000, pp. 503-520. 

1998

Bellah RD: Renal Sonography in Neonates and Infants. In:  Merritt, C.R.B. (Ed.) Diagnostic Ultrasound: Categorical Course Syllabus. American Roentgen Ray Society, 1998, pp.19 –30.

Bellah RD: Pediatric Uroradiology.  In: Katz DS, Math KR, Groskin SA (Eds.): Radiology Secrets. Philadelphia: Hanley and Belfus, Inc.; pp. 391-403, 1998. 

1997

Bellah RD: Abdominal Sonography. In: Altschuler S, Liacouras C (Eds.): Clinical Pediatric Gastroenterology. Churchill Livingstone, 1997.

1996

Bellah RD: Cranial Sonography and Intracranial Hemorrhage in the Preterm Infant. In: Bluth E, Arger P, Hertzberg B, Middleton W (eds): Syllabus: Special Course in Ultrasound: RSNA, Chicago,1996, pp. 373-382.

1995

Kaplan BS, Kaplan P, Bellah RD: Cystic and Dysplastic Kidneys. In: Whitfield H (Ed.): Textbook of Genitourinary Surgery. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications, Ltd., 1995.

1992

Bellah RD:  Doppler Ultrasound of the Pediatric Liver.  In: Herlinger H, Megibow AJ (Eds): Advances in Gastrointestinal Radiology. volume two.  Chicago:  Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1992, pp. 125-160.

Posters and Presentations

2020

Flanders TM, Kimmel AC, Lang SS, Bellah R, Chuo J, Wellons JC 3rd, Flibotte JJ, Heuer GG: Standardizing treatment of preterm infants with post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus at a single institution with a multidisciplinary team. Child's Nervous System January 2020 Notes: Doi: 10.1007/s00381-020-04508-7. [Epub ahead of print].

Editorial and Academic Positions

Editorial Positions
Reviewer

Journal of Clinical Ultrasound
Journal of Urology
Pediatric Radiology
Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Academic and Institutional Committees

2001-present, AIUM, Pediatric Ultrasound Committee
1993-present, Renal Cystic Kidneys and Renal Dysplasia Group

Leadership and Memberships

Memberships in Professional Organizations

2013-present, American College of Radiology
2013-present, American Academy of Pediatrics (Fellow)
2013-present, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
2013-present, American Roentgen Ray Society
2013-present, Radiological Society of North America
2013-present, Society for Pediatric Radiology
2013-present, Society of Uroradiology