Photoacoustic imaging of the skin
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Non-invasive Investigation of the Skin with PhotoAcoustic imaging (NISPA)
IRAS ID
347658
Contact name
Andrea Murray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and complex autoimmune disorder with high mortality and morbidity rates. Early diagnosing and treatment is essential to improve disease prognosis.
Raynaud Phenomenon (RP), is often the earliest symptom of SSc and can be differentiated into primary RP (PRP; a benign disorder with no underlying vascular disease) and secondary RP (associated with SSc).
Nailfold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive microscopy technique currently used to visualise microvascular damage, differentiate between PRP and secondary RP and aid early diagnosis of SSc.
This study will examine the use of a novel technique called photoacoustic imaging, that uses a combination of light and ultrasound, to image capillaries in 3D and measure their oxygenation levels.In order to identify the differences between patients and healthy controls, 30 patients with SSc, 30 patients with PRP, and 90 healthy controls, all of varying age and skin tone will be recruited. Participants will attend Salford Royal Hospital for a single, one hour study visit.
Participants will undergo photoacoustic imagining of up to 8 fingers with the dominant ring finger then occluded for 2 minutes (mimicking a Raynaud’s episode). Additionally participants will have oxygenation levels measured using a digital finger pulse meter and skin tone measured using a CR-400 colorimeter. In addition, images will be taken on the hand and forearm. All techniques used are non-invasive and painless.
This study will use photoacoustic imaging to visualise structural and functional changes in capillaries of patients with PRP, SSc and healthy controls. We will simulate a RP episode and assess the oxygenation levels at the nailfold, comparing these between groups to determine whether oxygenation changes occur before the structural deficits observed in patients with SSc.We will also assess whether oxygenation is age dependent which may skew results moving forward and whether skin tone may affect measures of oxygenation levels.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0370
Date of REC Opinion
9 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion