22 Sep The anti-inflammatory scan: current insights and future perspectives on therapeutic splenic ultrasonography
The anti-inflammatory scan: current insights and future perspectives on therapeutic splenic ultrasonography
22 September 2025
Pierpaolo Di Nicolò & Francesco Corradi
Abstract
Recent discoveries have identified that physiological anti-inflammatory reflexes are triggered by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which offers neuromodulation— performed via implantable or transcutaneous devices—potential therapeutic opportunities.
A novel, noninvasive technique using spleen-targeted focused ultrasound stimulation (sFUS) can replicate these effects by triggering the vagus nerve, opening new possibilities for immunomodulation. Early findings suggest that sFUS may evolve into a therapeutic tool to modulate inflammatory responses across a number of diseases.
This short communication presents preclinical evidence of efficacy in diverse models of inflammation, discusses the mechanisms underlying sFUS, explores potential translational steps into human application and discusses future directions..
Preclinical evidence of anti-inflammatory effects
In rodent models, spleen-focused ultrasound stimulation (sFUS) administered prior to renal or cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury significantly reduces renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis—by up to 90%—and decreases myocardial infarct size by nearly threefold [6, 7].
In experimental models of inflammatory arthritis in mice, sFUS demonstrates both prophylactic and therapeutic effects, mitigating disease severity and preventing disease progression [8]. In sepsis models, it has been shown to suppress proinflammatory cytokine release [9].
These findings across diverse disease states have thus prompted further investigation into the underlying physical and biological mechanisms through which ultrasound may mediate immunomodulation.
Conclusions
Though still in its early stages, the concept of an “anti-inflammatory scan” through sFUS represents a potentially transformative paradigm in non-invasive immunomodulation, but warrants rigorous study and exploration.
It is time to assess whether an “anti-inflammatory scan” via sFUS neuromodulation can be a meaningful addition to our therapeutic armamentarium where imaging and intervention converge in a single pulse.
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