NCT06994260

Diagnostic Imaging of Vascular Malformations Using MSOT and ULM

Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) and Ultrasound Localization Microscopy (ULM) as Diagnostic Imaging for Lymphatic, Venous and Arteriovenous Malformations

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 15 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University Hospital Erlangen · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This clinical study evaluates the efficacy and accuracy of Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) and Ultrasound Localization Microscopy (ULM) for imaging and diagnosing vascular malformations (venous, arteriovenous, lymphatic). The study aims to enhance diagnostic precision and improve treatment planning through advanced non-invasive imaging techniques.

Detailed description

This study aims to investigate whether Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) and Ultrasound Localization Microscopy (ULM) can accurately differentiate between lymphatic, venous, and arteriovenous vascular malformations. MSOT can determine oxygen levels based on the expected low oxygen content in venous blood, high oxygen content in arterial blood, and the absence of oxygen in lymphatic fluid. Additionally, ULM, utilizing microbubbles, measures blood flow velocities, which may help identify and distinguish these malformations or their mixed forms. To date, vascular malformations of blood and lymphatic vessels are commonly diagnosed using cross-sectional imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MSOT introduces a novel, non-invasive diagnostic approach that enables the assessment of oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations and oxygen levels in blood and tissue. Previous studies (e.g., MSOT\_IC, MSOT\_PI) demonstrated the capability of MSOT to visualize muscle perfusion in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Moreover, it has successfully identified muscle structures and the clinical severity of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by detecting endogenous biomarkers like collagen and lipids. The objective of this study is to utilize MSOT and ULM as supplementary diagnostic tools to conventional imaging methods to accurately identify and distinguish between venous, arteriovenous, and lymphatic malformations in patients. This approach has the potential to reduce exposure to ionizing radiation from CT scans and minimize the need for resource-intensive MRI procedures in the future.

Conditions

• Vascular Malformation
• Arteriovenous Malformation
• Lymphatic Malformation
• Venous Malformations

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography	MSOT is an advanced imaging technology that combines laser-induced ultrasound and light absorption to visualize biological tissues. By detecting ultrasound waves generated from tissue absorption of multispectral light, MSOT provides high-resolution, real-time images with functional and molecular information. One of its use is in biomedical research and clinical applications to study blood oxygenation and tissue composition, making it valuable for areas such as vascular research. In this study, we aim to utilize MSOT to differentiate between venous, arteriovenous and lymphatic malformations.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Ultrasound Localization Microscopy	ULM is a cutting-edge imaging technique that significantly enhances the resolution of traditional ultrasound by tracking the movement of microbubble contrast agents within blood vessels. This approach enables the visualization of microvascular structures and blood flow dynamics at a super-resolution scale, beyond the diffraction limit of conventional ultrasound. In this study, we aim to utilize ULM to differentiate between venous, arteriovenous and lymphatic malformations.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-01
• Primary completion: 2026-02-01
• Completion: 2026-06-01
• First posted: 2025-05-29
• Last updated: 2025-06-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Germany