Diagnostic Imaging of Vascular Malformations Using MSOT and ULM

NCT ID: NCT06994260

Last Updated: 2025-06-22

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Total Enrollment

15 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-08-01

Study Completion Date

2026-06-01

Brief Summary

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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

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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

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Vascular Malformation Arteriovenous Malformation Lymphatic Malformation Venous Malformations

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

COHORT

Study Time Perspective

CROSS_SECTIONAL

Study Groups

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Venous Malformation

Patients with venous malformations.

Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

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.

Ultrasound Localization Microscopy

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

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.

Arteriovenous Malformations

Patients with arteriovenous malformations.

Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

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.

Ultrasound Localization Microscopy

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

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.

Lymphatic Malformations

Patients with lymphatic malformations.

Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

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.

Ultrasound Localization Microscopy

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

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.

Interventions

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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.

Intervention Type 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.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Confirmed vascular malformations (arteriovenous, venous, or lymphatic).
* ≥18 years old and able to give their consent

Exclusion Criteria

* No imaging for diagnostic confirmation has been performed or is planned.
* Lack of written consent
* \<18 years old
* Safety concerns of the study physician (a patient with physical, psychological, or psychiatric conditions that, in the opinion of the study physician, could compromise the patient's safety or the quality of the data, thereby making the patient an unsuitable candidate for the study).
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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PD Dr. med. Ferdinand Knieling, Department of pediatrics, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role collaborator

University Hospital Erlangen

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Ulrich Rother

Senior Consultant, Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Vascular Surgery

Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany

Site Status

Countries

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Germany

Central Contacts

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Ulrich Rother, PD Dr. med.

Role: CONTACT

+4991318542028

Facility Contacts

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Ulrich Rother, PD Dr. med.

Role: primary

+4991318542028

References

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Seront E, Vikkula M, Boon LM. Venous Malformations of the Head and Neck. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018 Feb;51(1):173-184. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2017.09.003.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 29217061 (View on PubMed)

Kansy K, Bodem J, Engel M, Freudlsperger C, Mohlenbruch MA, Herweh C, Bendszus M, Hoffmann J, Kargus S. Interdisciplinary treatment algorithm for facial high-flow arteriovenous malformations, and review of the literature. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2018 May;46(5):765-772. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2018.03.002. Epub 2018 Mar 9.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 29609843 (View on PubMed)

Gray RL, Ortiz RA, Bastidas N. Combined Surgery and Intraoperative Sclerotherapy for Vascular Malformations of the Head/Neck: The Hybrid Approach. Ann Plast Surg. 2018 Apr;80(4 Suppl 4):S156-S157. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000001366.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 29596084 (View on PubMed)

Dompmartin A, Vikkula M, Boon LM. Venous malformation: update on aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis and management. Phlebology. 2010 Oct;25(5):224-35. doi: 10.1258/phleb.2009.009041.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 20870869 (View on PubMed)

Demene C, Robin J, Dizeux A, Heiles B, Pernot M, Tanter M, Perren F. Transcranial ultrafast ultrasound localization microscopy of brain vasculature in patients. Nat Biomed Eng. 2021 Mar;5(3):219-228. doi: 10.1038/s41551-021-00697-x. Epub 2021 Mar 15.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 33723412 (View on PubMed)

Carqueja IM, Sousa J, Mansilha A. Vascular malformations: classification, diagnosis and treatment. Int Angiol. 2018 Apr;37(2):127-142. doi: 10.23736/S0392-9590.18.03961-5. Epub 2018 Feb 8.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 29424187 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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MSOT_ULM_malfo

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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