[ad_1]
A new method of detecting rheumatoid arthritis using infrared light could provide an objective method of diagnosing disease and monitoring treatment efficacy, according to a study from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
The new technique, developed by a team from the University of Birmingham School of Computer Science in partnership with the Health Technologies Institute and rheumatologists at the NIHR's Birmingham Biomedical Research Center, combines 3D digital imaging with infrared spectroscopy to create 3D image of the patient's hand that can be used to produce an objective and quantifiable badessment.
The patient places a hand inside the scanner, which first creates a 3D model of the hand, measuring its size and contours. In the next step, an infrared beam is directed through each finger and the amount of light exiting through the finger is measured. Since oxygenated blood and deoxygenated blood absorb light differently, it is possible to use infrared imaging to calculate the warning signs of RA, such as hypoxia – and increased blood content, an indication of inflammation.
"We know that it is very important to quickly diagnose patients with RA because early treatment can improve long-term results.", explains Professor Hamid Dehghani, who led the study."The system we have developed provides an objective and inexpensive way to detect the disease and badess its degree of progression. Ultimately, we hope clinicians can diagnose the disease sooner and offer personalized treatment plans to patients.. "
As part of a pilot study, the team examined 144 joints of 21 patients in rheumatology and was able to accurately detect inflamed joints. The results were closely correlated with ultrasound and clinical examination. The results are published in the Journal of Biomedical Optics.1
Reference
-
Lighter D et al. Detection of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis with the help of Fourier transform badysis of dorsal optical transmission images of a pilot study. J Biomed Optics 2019; 24 (06): 1 DOI: 10.1117 / 1.JBO.24.6.066008
Source link
