Doppler ultrasound check of abdominal and arm blood vessels in systemic sclerosis
Color Doppler Ultrasonography Evaluation of Abdominal and Peripheral Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis Patients
This study will use color Doppler ultrasound to see if adults with systemic sclerosis have large-vessel problems in the arms (radial/ulnar arteries) and abdominal (splanchnic) circulation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Assiut University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Asyut) |
| Trial ID | NCT07012655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study uses color Doppler ultrasound to image radial and ulnar arteries and splanchnic vessels in adults who meet the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria for systemic sclerosis. The aim is to identify macrovascular involvement, such as ulnar artery occlusion, and to relate ultrasound findings to clinical features like digital ulcers and gastrointestinal symptoms. Ultrasound provides a noninvasive method to detect subclinical peripheral and abdominal vascular changes that may contribute to morbidity. Consenting patients will undergo imaging at Assiut University Hospital and the results will be analyzed for patterns linking vascular changes to disease severity.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults who meet the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for systemic sclerosis, who do not have other autoimmune diseases, and who consent to undergo Doppler ultrasound are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with overlapping autoimmune conditions, those who decline participation, or those already fully worked up with other definitive vascular tests may not gain benefit from this ultrasound-focused protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable earlier, noninvasive detection of large-vessel involvement and help identify patients at higher risk for digital ulcers or gastrointestinal complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have reported links between ulnar artery occlusion and greater vasculopathy and digital ulcer risk, while comprehensive Doppler evaluation of splanchnic vessels in SSc remains less established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult systemic sclerosis patients fulfilling the criteria for the diagnosis by American College of Rheumatology /European league against rheumatism 2013 classification criteria for systemic sclerosis, who accept to participate in the current study. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with other autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease). * those who Refuse to participate in the current study.
Where this trial is running
Asyut
- Assiut University hospital — Asyut, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sara Farrag, Lecturer — Assiut University
- Study coordinator: Sara Farrag, Lecturer
- Email: Sara_farrag@aun.edu.eg
- Phone: +201097767735
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.