Validation of Ultrasound and MRI Imaging of Capillary Malformations
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Validation of Ultrasound and MRI Imaging of Capillary Malformations as Part of Multimodal Analysis of Vascular Malformations to Facilitate Wavelength-Targeted Tailored Laser Therapy
IRAS ID
217217
Contact name
Megan Anderson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Research and Development Office
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Capillary malformations (often called ‘port wine stains’) are collections of small abnormal blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. They can be pink to purple in colour and cause psychosocial upset. Patients are currently offered laser treatment in accordance with empirically established settings and test patches. The intention of this treatment is to destroy the abnormal vessels by heating the pigment haemoglobin, making the malformation paler and less noticeable. Treatment results can vary and there are areas of the body (such as the central face and distal limbs) that are known to respond less well, even with several treatments. We aim to use multimodal imaging to build a picture of the characteristics of responsive lesions, enabling us to tailor treatment appropriately. Total thickness of the malformation may be an important factor limiting the degree of improvement, and validation of ultrasound and MRI imaging for measuring vessel depth will enable better understanding of the factors affecting response to treatment.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
17/SS/0071
Date of REC Opinion
15 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion