Fluorescence Optical Imaging Differentiates Between Acute, Chronic PsA

Fluorescence optical imaging can distinguish between acute and chronic disease stages of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), according to study findings published in Frontiers in Medicine.

“Since a delay in diagnosis impacts on long-term joint damage and functional disability, its application in daily routine can help to diagnose early PsA in time to prevent progressive joint damage,” wrote study authors.

The study was a follow-up to a previous investigation that showed fluorescence optimal imaging could differentiate between patients with confirmed and suspected PsA. In this study, researchers focused on patients who changed from suspected to confirmed PsA.

Patients underwent fluorescence optimal imaging of both hands in a standardized manner using 3 predefined phases (p1-p3) and PrimaVista Mode (PVM), as well as musculoskeletal ultrasound, for the investigation.

Newly detected pathologic joints by fluorescence optimal imaging (PVM, p2) and musculoskeletal ultrasound were positively associated with change from suspected to confirmed PsA, according to study findings.  

Patients who changed from suspected to diagnosed PsA had more joints with pathological enhancement in fluorescence optimal imaging with an unchanged joint distribution pattern, reported researchers, particularly with a dominant involvement of distal interphalangeal joints. Such patients were 3 times as likely to show enhancement in fluorescence optimal imaging p3 at follow-up compared with baseline.

“Fluorescence optical imaging appears to be a helpful tool to detect early PsA and to distinguish between acute and chronic disease stages,” wrote researchers. “It could thereby become a suitable tool as a screening method to select psoriasis patients with an indication for further rheumatological evaluation.”

Reference:
Büttner J, Glimm AM, Kokolakis G, et al. Follow-up comparison of fluorescence optical imaging with musculoskeletal ultrasound for early detection of psoriatic arthritis. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022;9:845545. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.845545