Using laser technology to detect rheumatoid arthritis

Laser-based Photoacoustic Tomography of Human Inflammatory Arthritis

Observational University of Michigan · NCT00748254

This study is testing a new laser imaging technology to see if it can help detect rheumatoid arthritis earlier and better in people with the condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment113 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT00748254 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This feasibility study aims to adapt photoacoustic tomography (PAT), a novel noninvasive laser-based imaging technology, for detecting chronic rheumatoid arthritis in humans. By combining the benefits of light and ultrasound scanning, PAT seeks to provide high sensitivity and spatial resolution in imaging peripheral joints affected by inflammatory arthritis. The study will assess the effectiveness of PAT in early detection and understanding the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, potentially aiding in therapeutic decisions and the evaluation of new treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include men and women aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis for more than 2 years, as well as healthy volunteers with a known history of the condition.

Not a fit: Patients with certain medical implants, pregnant individuals, those with claustrophobia, or those with impaired renal function may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of rheumatoid arthritis, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, similar imaging technologies have shown promise in other studies, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women 18 years of age or older can participate in this study.
* Patients can participate in this study if they have had rheumatoid arthritis for more than 2 years and their rheumatologist has referred them to this study.
* Patients can participate as a healthy volunteer with a known history of rheumatoid arthritis.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients, who have electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implants such as heart pacemaker, magnetic surgical clips, prostheses or implanted neurological stimulator.
* Pregnant patients.
* Patients who is claustrophobic.
* Patients with impaired renal function cannot participate in this study such as elevate creatinine clearance, patients on kidney dialysis etc.
* Patients with shock hypotension or unstable low blood pressure.
* Patients with Rhabdomyolysis.
* Patients who have had a contrast enhanced (with gadolinium) MRA (magnetic resonance angiography)/ or MRI within the last 3 months. (Contrast is a medication injected into a vein during a imaging examination that helps produce clearer images/pictures).

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Arthritis, RheumatoidRheumatoid arthritis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.