Study shows potential of imaging methods for systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon

Current methods of measuring changes in blood flow or skin temperature in the hands of people with systemic sclerosis are subjective and not always sensitive to change. Testing and developing new means of treating systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon in future clinical trials could now be made easier thanks to two imaging methods that have been validated by new research. Arthritis Research UK has funded a study led by the University of Manchester showing how laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), which measures blood flow, and thermography techniques, which measure skin temperature, could both play an important role in making sure people affected by this condition get the right treatment in future. How do the imaging methods work? Raynaud’s phenomenon results in the blood supply to the fingers or toes being reduced when exposed to stress or cold temperatures, resulting in visible colour changes and feelings of discomfort. It usually affects young women and teenage girls, but can also be associated with conditions such asscleroderma andlupus.  Often, this condition is monitored with a cold stress test, which uses water to determine how the hand responds to cold. However, it can sometimes be difficult to get an accurate picture of how blood is flowing to the affected area, a process known as perfusion.  For this study, published in the journal Arthritis& Rheumatology, a total of 169 patients with systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news