Effectiveness of digital infrared thermal imaging in detecting lower extremity deep venous thrombosis

Abstract

Infrared thermal imaging can be effectively used in DVT detection and adjunctive diagnostic screening because of its specific infrared PDCs and TDs values.

Infrared thermal imaging and Doppler vessel pressurization ultrasonography to detect lower extremity deep vein thrombosis: Diagnostic accuracy study

“…11 Generally, thermography can be achieved in two ways: (1) contact thermography with liquid crystal contact screens (LCCT) used to cover twodimensional parts of the body; and (2) noncontact thermography (IRTI), which uses an infrared non-cooled camera to capture infrared radiation emitted from the body surface. 11 Generally, thermography can be achieved in two ways: (1) contact thermography with liquid crystal contact screens (LCCT) used to cover twodimensional parts of the body; and (2) noncontact thermography (IRTI), which uses an infrared non-cooled camera to capture infrared radiation emitted from the body surface.…”

“…Thermography-imaging the temperature distribution in the body-can also be used for diagnosing certain diseases, particularly in their early stage. 11 Generally, thermography can be achieved in two ways: (1) contact thermography with liquid crystal contact screens (LCCT) used to cover twodimensional parts of the body; and (2) noncontact thermography (IRTI), which uses an infrared non-cooled camera to capture infrared radiation emitted from the body surface. The latter records and measures body surface temperatures.…”

Effectiveness of infrared thermography in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis: an evidence-based review

“…26,46 Temperature is symmetrically distributed, 47,48 with the difference between the same areas of the right and left lower extremities <0.2°C-0.3°C. 48,49 Due to the relatively lower blood supply, the areas adjacent to bone structures, such as patella and tibia, are cooler compared to the areas overlying calf and thigh muscles (Figure 2). A "mottled" thermogram with alternating lighter and darker areas in the thighs is also a normal pattern commonly observed in obese patients.…”

“…The agreement between compression ultrasonography and infrared thermography for anatomical distribution of DVT was 83%. 48 Another technique of measuring the local skin temperature by a special manual infrared scanning transducer (DeVeTherm, Ekoscann AR, Gothenburg, Sweden), that is currently out of market, was proved to be ineffective to detect DVT, with 78%-85% sensitivity and 20%-41% specificity. 64,77,78 It is worth to mention for historical justice that infrared thermography gained an attention as a possible method in DVT diagnostics in 1970-1980 when ultrasound was not well-appreciated.…”

“…63 Some studies reported lower temperature difference, from 0.4°C in thigh to 1.1°C-1.4°C in calf areas. 48,64 The resolution of infrared thermography was ~0.2°C at 30°C of ambient temperature. In some cases DVT was associated with decreased temperature of the lower extremity, presumably due to the arterial or microvascular spasm reducing peripheral circulation.…”