Infrared thermography: Experience from a decade of pediatric imaging.

Infrared thermography: Experience from a decade of pediatric imaging.
Saxena AK, Willital GH. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34, Graz, A-8036, Austria

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of clinical application of infrared thermography (IRT) in the pediatric population and to identify pathological states that can be diagnosed as well as followed up using this non-invasive technique. In real time computer-assisted IRT, 483 examinations were performed over a period of 10 years from 1990-2000 on 285 patients in the pediatric age group (range 1 week-16 years) presenting with a wide range of pathologies. The temperature was measured in centigrade (degrees C), and color images obtained were computer analyzed and stored on floppy discs. IRT was found to be an excellent noninvasive tool in the follow-up of hemangiomas, vascular
malformations and digit amputations related to re implantation, burns as well as skin and vascular
growth after bio-material implants in newborns with gastroschisis and giant omphaloceles. In the
emergency room, it was a valuable tool for rapid diagnosis of extremity thrombosis, varicoceles,
inflammation, abscesses, gangrene and wound infections. In conclusion, IRT can be performed in
the pediatric age group, is non-invasive, without any biological side effects, requires no sedation or
anesthesia and can be repeated as desired for follow-ups, with objective results that can demonstrated as colored images. Periodic thermographic studies to follow progression of lesions seem to be a
useful and reproducible method.