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Updated: Oct 19, 2025
A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Potential for novel imaging techniques to monitor early disease progression in connective tissue disease vasculopathy
Kah Aik Tan1,2, Charles Inderjeeth1,3,4, Shirley Jansen1,2,5,6
1University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Insights
New imaging methods show promise for early detection of vasculopathy in connective tissue diseases (CTD). These advanced techniques may help monitor disease progression before systemic complications arise.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Connective tissue diseases (CTD) can cause diverse vasculopathies with complex pathology.
- Current imaging methods are insufficient for early-stage vasculopathy assessment in CTD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel imaging techniques for early detection and monitoring of vasculopathy in CTD.
- To identify imaging modalities that can track disease progression before systemic complications manifest.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging imaging technologies including optical coherence tomography, near-infrared spectroscopy, and superb microvascular imaging.
- Assessment of the potential of these novel techniques in the context of CTD-associated vasculopathy.
Main Results:
- Novel imaging techniques show potential for improved assessment of vasculopathy in CTD.
- These methods may enable monitoring of disease progression at earlier, pre-systemic complication stages.
Conclusions:
- Advanced imaging modalities offer a promising avenue for earlier and more effective management of CTD-associated vasculopathy.
- Further research into optical coherence tomography, near-infrared spectroscopy, and superb microvascular imaging is warranted.
Abstract:
Vasculopathy associated with connective tissue diseases (CTD) has diverse clinical presentations and complex underlying pathology. Existing imaging techniques remain inadequate for assessing vasculopathy in CTD, particularly in earlier stages of pathogenesis. Novel imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography, near-infrared spectroscopy and superb microvascular imaging, demonstrate potential in monitoring disease progression at earlier stages prior to systemic complications.
