Enhanced Optical Imaging of Proximal Human Interphalangeal Joints Using Skin Optical Clearing

In this study we have analyzed the change in the intensity distribution of three-wavelength transillumination images of human interphalangeal joints under the action of the optical clearing agent. RheumaSens medical scanner prototype with the following wavelengths: 660, 850, and 905 nm, has been tested. A water solution of glycerol (70%) and DMSO (5%) has been used as an optical clearing agent, and sonophoresis has been applied for enhance of skin permeability. Eight healthy volunteers and a volunteer with rheumatoid arthritis have been investigated. As a result, we have obtained an increase in the contrast of joint images within 10 min: 1.2±0.14, 1.16±0.15, and 1.16±0.02 folds at the wavelengths of 660, 850, and 905 nm, respectively. It has been shown an effect of skin optical clearing on the enhancement of the images of joint with rheumatoid arthritis in the transillumination mode.