RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography for Advanced Imaging of Centronuclear Myopathy

This study is investigating a new imaging method called Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) for Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM). CNM is a rare muscle condition that causes weakness. Currently, diagnosing CNM can involve invasive tests like muscle biopsies. MSOT is a non-invasive technique, similar to an ultrasound, that uses light to look inside muscles. Researchers want to see if MSOT can provide useful information about muscle health in people with CNM. They are inviting 20 people with CNM and 20 healthy volunteers, who are similar in age and sex, to take part. Participants will have physical and muscle tests and then an MSOT scan of various muscle areas.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School

Enrolment target

Start

29 May 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Centronuclear Myopathy

What is this study about?

Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) is a rare condition that affects muscles, causing weakness. It's part of a group of conditions called 'congenital myopathies', meaning they are present from birth. In CNM, the tiny parts that make up our muscle cells, called nuclei, are in the middle of the cell rather than where they usually are, at the edges. This can lead to different levels of muscle weakness, from mild difficulties with exercise to more severe issues requiring extra support.

Currently, diagnosing CNM often involves a muscle biopsy, where a small piece of muscle is taken for examination, and genetic tests. These tests can be difficult to access, take a long time, and a muscle biopsy is an invasive procedure, sometimes needing anaesthetic, especially for children. This study is exploring a new way to look at muscles that is much simpler and doesn't involve cutting into the body.

This new method is called Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography, or MSOT for short. Think of it like a special kind of ultrasound. Instead of just sound waves, MSOT uses gentle pulses of near-infrared light. This light is absorbed by different parts of your body, like muscle, fat, and blood, causing them to slightly expand. A sensor then picks up these tiny expansions, creating a detailed picture of what's inside. The study wants to find out if MSOT can give us helpful information about the muscles in people with CNM, potentially offering a quicker and less uncomfortable way to monitor the condition in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores a new, non-invasive way (MSOT) to look at muscles in CNM.
It involves people with CNM and healthy volunteers.
Participation includes physical exams and MSOT scans.
MSOT uses light and sound, similar to ultrasound, to create images.
The goal is a simpler way to understand and monitor muscle health in CNM.
This study could reduce the need for invasive procedures like muscle biopsies.

Who may be eligible?

The study is looking for two groups of people: those diagnosed with Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) and healthy volunteers who don't have muscle diseases.

To join, you need to be at least 2 years old. For both groups, you won't be able to take part if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you have a tattoo in any of the areas where they will scan your muscles, or if you have a certain amount of fatty tissue under the skin (more than 3 cm), you won't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you at least 2 years old?
If female, are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you have Centronuclear Myopathy OR are you generally healthy without muscle disease?
Do you have tattoos in areas like your back, shoulders, arms, thighs, or lower legs?
Do you have a lot of fatty tissue under your skin (more than 3 cm thick) in the scan areas?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have a few different things happen. First, you'll have a physical check-up and some tests to see how your muscles are working. Then, you'll have an MSOT scan. This scan is similar to an ultrasound and will look at specific muscles in your body, such as those in your back, shoulder, arm, thigh, and lower leg. You won't need to take any medication for this study. The researchers haven't specified the total duration or number of visits, but the MSOT scan itself is non-invasive and generally quick.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help researchers learn more about Centronuclear Myopathy and how MSOT could be a useful tool for future diagnosis and monitoring. This could potentially lead to less invasive ways of understanding the condition. The MSOT scan itself is generally considered safe and doesn't involve radiation, similar to a regular ultrasound. There are no known specific risks beyond the minor discomfort of a physical exam or the feeling of the MSOT probe on your skin. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Uniklinikum Erlangen
Verified postcode
Erlangen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM)?

CNM is a rare muscle condition that causes weakness. It's present from birth and affects how muscle cells are formed.

What is MSOT?

MSOT (Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography) is a new way to scan inside your body. It uses light and sound to create pictures of your muscles, similar to an ultrasound but with different technology.

Is the MSOT scan painful?

No, the MSOT scan is not painful. It's a non-invasive procedure, meaning nothing enters your body. It's similar to getting an ultrasound.

Do I need to take any medicine for this study?

No, you do not need to take any new medications to participate in this study.

How long will my participation last?

The information provided does not specify the exact total duration or number of visits for the study, but individual appointments are likely short for the scans and physical exams.

How to find out more

Lina Tan

lina.tan@uk-erlangen.de +49 9131 85-41277 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.