Imagining calcinosis in systemic sclerosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Imaging calcinosis in patients with systemic sclerosis using X-rays, computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) techniques.
IRAS ID
131857
Contact name
Ariane Herrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Research summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that affects the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs of the body. It can also result in calcinosis, (the deposition of a chalk like material beneath the skin) occurring in 20-40% of patients with SSc. These calcinotic deposits most commonly occur in the fingers, but may also be found in other areas such as the knees and elbows. They can be painful if knocked or pressed upon and may restrict mobility. They can be hard (like chalk) or soft (like toothpaste) and sometimes extrude spontaneously through the skin. This can lead to secondary problems of ulceration and infection. There are no specific treatments for calcinosis and surgery is occasionally needed to remove troublesome deposits.
Plain radiographs (X-rays) are currently used to identify calcinotic deposits for clinical purposes. Whilst this technique can determine the presence (or absence) of calcinosis, it cannot provide information relating to structure or 3-dimensional size and shape of the deposits. The aim of this project is to gain a better understanding of calcinotic sites, using state-of-the-art imaging techniques. Computer tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance [MR] imaging will be used to answer the following questions:-
- Can CT and MR imaging help identify and categorise different structures/sub-types of calcinotic deposits?
- Can CT and MR imaging, singly or in combination, provide more accurate measures of the physical size and shape of calcinotic deposits than X-rays alone?
15 participants with SSc and calcinosis (affecting wrists/hands/fingers) will undergo X-ray, CT and MR imaging. The results obtained from CT and MR imaging will be examined to see what additional information they provide compared with X-rays. A subgroup of 6 participants will undergo repeat X-Ray and MR scan within 7 days to test reproducibility of results.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0019
Date of REC Opinion
3 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion