LASER-DOPPLER PERFUSION IMAGING OF PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINTS INPATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Objective. A non-invasive imaging technique (laser Doppler perfusion i maging - LDI) based on measurement of backscattered Doppler-broadened near infra-red laser radiation was used to provide two-dimensional ima ges of perfusion over the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of a g roup of normal subjects compared to a group of patients with rheumatoi d arthritis (RA). Results. Some PIP joints of the RA group showed area s of increased perfusion whereas normal subjects showed much less vari ation in perfusion between joints. These hyperaemic areas arose from t he underlying joint, as scans taken with a less penetrating red laser did not show such areas. Conclusion. Apart from its obvious dermatolog ical uses, LDI could be employed to image hyperaemia associated with a variety of inflammatory conditions affecting subcutaneous structures.