Laser-based Photoacoustic Tomography of Human Inflammatory Arthritis

The purpose of this feasibility study is to determine if a new emerging technology called photoacoustic tomography (PAT) can be adapted for use in humans for the detection of chronic rheumatoid arthritis.

The objective of this proposal is to adapt photoacoustic tomography (PAT), a novel, nonionizing, noninvasive, laser-based technology, for structural and functional imaging of human peripheral joints affected by inflammatory arthritis.

Combining the advantages of both light and ultrasound scanning, PAT holds promise to present objective optical information in subsurface joint tissues with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution.

This could be of considerable help in the early detection of inflammatory joint diseases. PAT may also prove useful in further understanding the pathophysiology of these disorders and assisting with therapeutic decisions, including assessment of new pharmacological therapies.

In January 2026, the decision was made to reopen recruitment for this study to collect additional data to support future clinical trial work and funding.

Eligibility

Relevant conditions:

Arthritis, Rheumatoid

If you aren't sure if you meet the criteria above speak to your healthcare professional. Criteria may be updated but not reflected here, do not hesitate to contact the study if you think are close to fitting criteria.

locations

Contact Information

Overall Contact

Safa Mohamed

safam@med.umich.edu

734 615-1646

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov