Laser-based Photoacoustic Tomography of Human Inflammatory Arthritis

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this feasibility study is to determine if a new emerging technology called photoacoustic tomography (PAT) can be adapted for use in humans for the detection of chronic rheumatoid arthritis.

Detailed Description
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The objective of this proposal is to adapt photoacoustic tomography (PAT), a novel, nonionizing, noninvasive, laser-based technology, for structural and functional imaging of human peripheral joints affected by inflammatory arthritis. Combining the advantages of both light and ultrasound scanning, PAT holds promise to present objective optical information in subsurface joint tissues with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. This could be of considerable help in the early detection of inflammatory joint diseases. PAT may also prove useful in further understanding the pathophysiology of these disorders and assisting with therapeutic decisions, including assessment of new pharmacological therapies.

Official Title
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Laser-based Photoacoustic Tomography of Human Inflammatory Arthritis

Conditions
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Laser Based Photoacoustic Tomography, MRI, Ultrasound
* Procedure: laser based photoacoustic tomography, MRI, ultrasound


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Men and women 18 years of age or older can participate in this study. Patients can participate in this study if they have had rheumatoid arthritis for more than 2 years and their rheumatologist has referred them to this study. Patients can participate as a healthy volunteer with a known history of rheumatoid arthritis. Exclusion Criteria: Patients, who have electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implants such as heart pacemaker, magnetic surgical clips, prostheses or implanted neurological stimulator. Pregnant patients. Patients who is claustrophobic. Patients with impaired renal function cannot participate in this study such as elevate creatinine clearance, patients on kidney dialysis etc. Patients with shock hypotension or unstable low blood pressure. Patients with Rhabdomyolysis. Patients who have had a contrast enhanced (with gadolinium) MRA (magnetic resonance angiography)/ or MRI within the last 3 months. (Contrast is a medication injected into a vein during a imaging examination that helps produce clearer images/pictures).

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis<br>Patients who have active disease affecting the joints in the hand will have Laser Based Photoacoustic Tomography (PAT), MRI, Ultrasound | Procedure: Laser Based Photoacoustic Tomography, MRI, Ultrasound<br>* Healthy subjects will have scans on finger joints with any of the scanning methods described above.<br>* Other names: PAT, laser based photoacoustic tomography;|
| Normal controls<br>Healthy volunteers who do not have arthritis will also have Laser Based Photoacoustic Tomography (PAT), MRI, Ultrasound on the joints of their hand | Procedure: laser based photoacoustic tomography, MRI, ultrasound<br>* Subjects with arthritis will have scans on finger joints with any of the scanning methods described above.<br>* Other names: Ultrasound;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Photoacoustic Imaging | To determine if photoacoustic imaging (PAT) can accurately assist in the diagnosis of chronic rheumatoid arthritis, with data collected every 2 weeks for a maximum of 10 weeks. | 10 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Rheumatoid arthritis