Noninvasive photoacoustic tomography of human peripheral joints toward diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis

The feasibility of photoacoustic tomography (PAT) in imaging human peripheral joints in a noninvasive manner was demonstrated through studies of cadaver human fingers. Based on the intrinsic optical contrast, intra- and extra-articular tissue structures in the finger at the levels of the joints were visualized successfully with satisfactory spatial resolution. The imaging depth of PAT in the near-infrared region enables the cross-sectional imaging of a human finger as a whole organ. As a novel technology with unique advantages, PAT holds promise for early diagnosis of inflammatory joint disorders and accurate monitoring of disease progression and response to therapy. (C) 2007 Optical Society of America