Hand MRI in Patients with Scleroderma
- Study HIC#:2000038492
- Last Updated:12/02/2025
This study aims to evaluate blood flow issues and tissue damage in the hands of patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) using MRI scans. The research will compare MRI findings from patients who receive a specific treatment to those who do not, to see if this treatment helps reduce finger sores and related complications. Our goal is to find better ways to monitor and treat this condition.
Contact Us
For more information about this study, including how to volunteer, contact:
Attila Feher
- Phone Number: 1-203-747-7300
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Trial Purpose and Description
Hand disease is the major cause of disability in SSc with digital ulcers in 50%, and digital amputations in 20% of SSc patients. Multiparametric MRI techniques can non-invasively quantify vasculopathy, tissue hypoxia, and fibrosis in one exam. Although MRI imaging methods can detect and quantify diffuse heart fibrosis in SSc, there are limited data on tissue characterization in the extremities. A recent pilot study showed increased lower extremity skeletal muscle T1 relaxation time and extracellular volume in SSc patients indicative of fibrosis, but no MRI studies have evaluated vasculopathy, tissue hypoxia, and fibrosis in the hands of SSc patients. We propose to be the first to use established MRI techniques for a comprehensive quantitative assessment of vasculopathy, tissue hypoxia, and fibrosis in the hands of patients with SSc. This study is closely related to the previously IRB-approved study on Systemic Sclerosis patient IRB number: IRB 200002810
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants must be 18 years or older. Diagnosed with scleroderma according to the 2013 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Individuals under 18 years old.
- Pregnant individuals.
- Those with contraindications for MRI (e.g., claustrophobia, metal implants, or pacemaker devices).
