CompRES
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CompRES: Compression Ratio Evaluation Study - Defining the Normal Range of a Novel Technique in the Evaluation of Giant Cell Arteritis Ultrasound in a Control Population
IRAS ID
360853
Contact name
Muhammad Asim Khurshid
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Ultrasound is the first-line diagnostic tool for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), with the hallmark “halo sign” (HS) identified by three key criteria: visibility in two imaging planes, hypoechogenicity (appearing darker than surrounding tissue), and poor compressibility (inability to fully compress the vessel when pressure is applied). These features are typically assessed qualitatively, with intima-media thickness (IMT) being the only quantitative parameter.
Our recent retrospective study introduced a novel quantitative measure called the “compression ratio” (CR), which measures the arterial cross-sectional vessel area in compressed and uncompressed states and calculates their ratio. This method objectively assesses compressibility, has demonstrated promising results, and shows potential for both clinical and research applications. However, further validation is necessary.
The current study is a feasibility study which aims to include volunteers without GCA or other rheumatological diseases. A call for volunteers will be sent to staff members, patients relatives and individuals attending rheumatology and other clinics. Respondents will be screened excluding those <50 years of age, current or past history of GCA or related disorders, use of steroids in past 3 months or use of rheumatological treatments such as methotrexate and leflunomide in the past 2 years. Included individuals, after written consent, will undergo a single episode of history taking, physical examination and detailed vascular ultrasound.
The results will help defining normal range of CR, assess effects of age, gender and effect of concurrent diseases and medication on CR. In addition, the study will build a set of controls for any future studies. Most importantly the experience and data will be used to plan a prospective study in this regard and will allow sample size calculation.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1769
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion