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Definition of Novel Optoacoustic Biomarkers of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Sponsor: University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School
Summary
This study investigates changes in the skin and joints of people with psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) using two non-invasive imaging methods called raster-scan optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) and multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT). The study will include 192 adults, including people with PsO, people with PsA, people at increased risk of developing these conditions, and healthy participants. RSOM will be used to examine small blood vessels and other features of the skin, while MSOT will be used to examine joints and tissue characteristics. In selected participants, a small skin sample will also be collected for laboratory analysis. The researchers will investigate relationships between the imaging findings, clinical characteristics, and laboratory findings from skin samples. Computer-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-supported methods will also be used to explore patterns across these different types of data. The aim is to improve the understanding of changes associated with PsO and PsA and to identify potential imaging features that could be investigated as biomarkers in future studies. The imaging and AI analyses performed in this study are for research purposes only and will not be used to make clinical diagnoses or treatment decisions.
Official title: Optoakustische Bildgebung in Psoriasis Und Psoriasis-Arthritis
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
192
Start Date
2026-10-07
Completion Date
2027-12-31
Last Updated
2026-10-21
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Raster-Scan Optoacoustic Mesoscopy
Participants undergo non-invasive raster-scan optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) of predefined skin regions. The RSOM probe is placed on the skin to assess skin morphology and microvascular features. Up to three characteristic skin lesions and corresponding contralateral reference sites may be examined, together with predefined lesion-free skin regions of the extremities. Each individual RSOM measurement lasts approximately 45-90 seconds, with a total RSOM examination time of approximately 20 minutes.
Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography
Participants undergo non-invasive multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT). Reference measurements are performed over the radial artery, cephalic vein, and a predefined muscle region. MSOT measurements are subsequently performed at the finger and toe joints and bilaterally at the shoulder, elbow, and knee joints. Each joint measurement lasts approximately 10 seconds, with a total MSOT examination time of approximately 20 minutes.
Skin Biopsy and Skin Sample Collection
In participants with suitable skin lesions, a study-specific punch skin biopsy of up to 4 mm is obtained from a characteristic skin lesion for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. No study-specific skin biopsy is performed in participants without skin lesions. If such participants independently undergo a planned vascular surgical procedure, a small skin sample may be obtained from the existing surgical incision without an additional skin incision or surgical procedure.