Monitoring of microvascular calcification by time-resolved photoacoustic microscopy

Vascular calcification is a severe disease caused by dysregulated calcium-phosphate metabolism, influenced by factors such as genetics, aging, and chronic diseases, severely impacting vascular function. Vascular calcification inevitably leads to changes in vascular elasticity, which can be clearly reflected through elastography. However, existing elastography methods lack the resolution and sensitivity required for early-stage monitoring of vascular calcification. Thus, we propose a photoacoustic elastography method that combines optical and ultrasonic advantages, analyzing photoacoustic signals to obtain vascular elastic modulus and visualize calcification. This technology enables early detection of vascular calcification, providing crucial information for preventive and therapeutic strategies to reduce disease risk.