Spine inflammation in psoriatic arthritis
Characterization of Spinal Pathology in Axial Psoriatic Arthritis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11240346
We will use a new total-body PET/CT scan with an FDG tracer to find and measure spinal inflammation in people with psoriatic arthritis that affects the spine.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11240346 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would receive a total-body PET/CT scan using an FDG glucose tracer to image inflammation in the spine and nearby tendon/ligament attachments (entheses). The research team will compare these PET images with standard imaging like MRI and X-ray and with your symptoms to locate inflammation that current scans may miss. The total-body PET/CT system is faster and can use lower tracer doses than older PET systems. Researchers aim to produce imaging biomarkers that reflect the total spinal inflammatory burden and could help guide diagnosis and future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with confirmed psoriatic arthritis who have back pain or suspected axial (spine) involvement are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without psoriatic arthritis, those whose disease is limited to peripheral joints, or anyone unable to undergo PET/CT (for example, pregnant individuals) are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of spinal psoriatic arthritis and help tailor treatments for people with spine involvement.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot work has shown total-body PET/CT can visualize spinal enthesitis in psoriatic arthritis, but applying this approach more widely is still novel.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHAUDHARI, ABHIJIT J — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: CHAUDHARI, ABHIJIT J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Bechterew Disease