Researchers in Germany have unveiled a groundbreaking imaging technology capable of scanning the skin noninvasively to reveal early indicators of cardiovascular disease.
The novel technique, known as fast-RSOM, identifies subtle changes in blood vessels, oxygen levels, and tissue composition that traditional imaging methods cannot detect.
Fast-RSOM captures highly detailed images of the smallest blood vessels beneath the skin and can measure tiny impairments in their ability to expand and contract, a condition called microvascular endothelial dysfunction (MiVED).
Previously, physicians lacked a precise, noninvasive method to monitor these early vascular changes in humans.
“Fast-RSOM allows us, for the first time, to assess endothelial dysfunction at single-capillary resolution noninvasively,” said Dr Hailong He, a researcher at the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging at Helmholtz Munich.
Dr Angelos Karlas, co-first author and vascular surgeon at Technical University of Munich (TUM) University Hospital, added, “This approach provides an unprecedented view of cardiovascular disease development at the microvascular level.”
Early Warnings for Better Intervention
The technology offers high-resolution, dynamic biomarkers that reveal microvascular impairments before clinical symptoms or macroscopic disease features appear.
These early indicators often correlate with risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, or obesity. Unlike conventional risk assessments, fast-RSOM quantitatively measures the actual physiological changes in blood vessels, enabling more accurate evaluation of cardiovascular risk.
By detecting these early warning signs, the technology could guide personalised interventions, track lifestyle changes, and monitor treatment efficacy, offering a proactive approach to heart health.
The RSOM (Raster Scan Optoacoustic Mesoscopy) system uses pulses of light to generate ultrasound signals, producing highly detailed 3D images of structures beneath the skin.
Researchers say this noninvasive method has the potential to transform cardiovascular care by enabling earlier diagnosis, prevention, and ongoing monitoring of at-risk individuals.
The study detailing this innovation is published in the journal Light: Science & Applications.
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