Plain-English translation of NCT00748254 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Arthritis, Rheumatoid research guide →Researchers are testing a new imaging technology called photoacoustic tomography (PAT) that uses laser light and sound waves to create detailed pictures of joint tissues. This technology may help doctors detect inflammatory arthritis earlier and understand the disease better. The study compares how well this new imaging works in people with rheumatoid arthritis and in people without arthritis.
Current imaging methods for arthritis have limitations in detecting early disease and understanding what's happening inside the joints. This new technology could offer clearer, safer images without using radiation, potentially helping doctors catch arthritis sooner and make better treatment decisions.
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You will visit the research center for imaging scans of your hand. During your visit, you'll receive three types of imaging: the new laser-based photoacoustic scan, an MRI scan, and an ultrasound scan. The entire process takes a few hours, and there is no radiation involved. The researchers are collecting this data to develop and improve the new imaging technology for detecting arthritis.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 17, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
University of Michigan
Collaborators
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Enrollment target
~113 participants
Started
December 2011
Primary completion
January 2027
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in January 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Safa Mohamed
University of Michigan
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.