Photoacoustic imaging of oxygen in blood vessels in SSc
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot investigation of photoacoustic imaging as a non-invasive measure of blood vessel structure and oxygenation in patients with systemic sclerosis spectrum disorders.
IRAS ID
209610
Contact name
Andrea Murray
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have known microvascular structural and functional changes. Evidence also exists that there are macrovascular changes. These changes which cause blood flow changes may also cause oxygenation changes. To date these have been difficult to measure non-invasively. Photoacoustic imaging offers a non-invasive method of looking at oxygen levels in the blood vessels of patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) and SSc. Objective measures of disease in the above patient groups are necessary to identify suitable biomarkers for stratifying the risk of digital ischemia, and to enable clinical trials of new therapies. This pilot study aims to assess photoacoustic imaging in a small group of patients and validate images obtained by comparison to healthy controls. Thirty patients with PRP or SSc and 30 controls will undergo photoacoustic imaging of the hands with dynamic challenges to alter blood flow/oxygenation such as occlusion. Images will be analysed to assess the oxygen levels in the blood vessels of patients compared to that of healthy controls. Data obtained will inform future analysis of photoacoustic imaging and provide a basis to apply for more substantial funding in larger studies.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0047
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion