Quantitative visualization and detection of skin cancer using dynamic thermal imaging.
Herman C1, Cetingul MP.
Abstract
In 2010 approximately 68,720 melanomas will be diagnosed in the US alone, with around 8,650 resulting in death. To date, the only effective treatment for melanoma remains surgical excision, therefore, the key to extended survival is early detection. Considering the large numbers of patients diagnosed every year and the limitations in accessing specialized care quickly, the development of objective in vivo diagnostic instruments to aid the diagnosis is essential. New techniques to detect skin cancer, especially non-invasive diagnostic tools, are being explored in numerous laboratories. Along with the surgical methods, techniques such as digital photography, dermoscopy, multi-spectral imaging systems (MelaFind), laser-based systems (confocal scanning laser microscopy, laser Doppler perfusion imaging, optical coherence tomography), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, are being tested. Each technique offers unique advantages and disadvantages, many of which pose a compromise between effectiveness and accuracy versus ease of use and cost considerations. Details about these techniques and comparisons are available in the literature. Infrared (IR) imaging was shown to be a useful method to diagnose the signs of certain diseases by measuring the local skin temperature. There is a large body of evidence showing that disease or deviation from normal functioning are accompanied by changes of the temperature of the body, which again affect the temperature of the skin. Accurate data about the temperature of the human body and skin can provide a wealth of information on the processes responsible for heat generation and thermoregulation, in particular the deviation from normal conditions, often caused by disease. However, IR imaging has not been widely recognized in medicine due to the premature use of the technology several decades ago, when temperature measurement accuracy and the spatial resolution were inadequate and sophisticated image processing tools were unavailable. This situation changed dramatically in the late 1990s-2000s. Advances in IR instrumentation, implementation of digital image processing algorithms and dynamic IR imaging, which enables scientists to analyze not only the spatial, but also the temporal thermal behavior of the skin, allowed breakthroughs in the field. In our research, we explore the feasibility of IR imaging, combined with theoretical and experimental studies, as a cost effective, non-invasive, in vivo optical measurement technique for tumor detection, with emphasis on the screening and early detection of melanoma. In this study, we show data obtained in a patient study in which patients that possess a pigmented lesion with a clinical indication for biopsy are selected for imaging. We compared the difference in thermal responses between healthy and malignant tissue and compared our data with biopsy results. We concluded that the increased metabolic activity of the melanoma lesion can be detected by dynamic infrared imaging.
Showing posts with label IRT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IRT. Show all posts
Friday, June 17, 2016
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Interexaminer reliability of infrared thermography for the diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome.
Inter-examiner reliability of infrared thermography for the diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome.
Eunjoo Choi
Pyung-Bok Lee
Francis Sahngun Nahm
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Infrared thermography (IRT) is a useful tool for assessing skin temperature abnormalities in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Although determining regions of interest (ROIs) is an essential process for interpreting thermographic images, there are no validated and standardized guidelines to determine ROIs. Therefore, ROIs may be determined differently by each observer even for the same IRT images, which can result in an important issue for IRT reliability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inter-examiner reliability of IRT in patients with CRPS.
METHODS: Infrared thermographic images of 28 patients diagnosed with CRPS were reviewed by three independent examiners. The shapes, sizes, and the detailed locations of the ROIs were determined by the investigator's own opinion based on patient history and symptoms. After maximal skin temperature of the ROI was obtained for each patient, the degree of agreement among the three examiners limbs was assessed.
RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient among the three independent raters was 0.865 (95% confidence interval, 0.748-0.933), indicating a high degree of reliability (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of IRT for assessing skin temperature abnormalities in CRPS was high when the ROIs were determined based on patient history and symptoms.
Eunjoo Choi
Pyung-Bok Lee
Francis Sahngun Nahm
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Infrared thermography (IRT) is a useful tool for assessing skin temperature abnormalities in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Although determining regions of interest (ROIs) is an essential process for interpreting thermographic images, there are no validated and standardized guidelines to determine ROIs. Therefore, ROIs may be determined differently by each observer even for the same IRT images, which can result in an important issue for IRT reliability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inter-examiner reliability of IRT in patients with CRPS.
METHODS: Infrared thermographic images of 28 patients diagnosed with CRPS were reviewed by three independent examiners. The shapes, sizes, and the detailed locations of the ROIs were determined by the investigator's own opinion based on patient history and symptoms. After maximal skin temperature of the ROI was obtained for each patient, the degree of agreement among the three examiners limbs was assessed.
RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient among the three independent raters was 0.865 (95% confidence interval, 0.748-0.933), indicating a high degree of reliability (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of IRT for assessing skin temperature abnormalities in CRPS was high when the ROIs were determined based on patient history and symptoms.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Interexaminer reliability of infrared thermography for the diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome.
Inter-examiner reliability of infrared thermography for the diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome.
Eunjoo Choi Pyung-Bok Lee Francis Sahngun Nahm Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
Skin Research and Technology (Impact Factor: 1.41). 01/2013; DOI: 10.1111/srt.12032
Source: PubMed
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Infrared thermography (IRT) is a useful tool for assessing skin temperature abnormalities in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Although determining regions of interest (ROIs) is an essential process for interpreting thermographic images, there are no validated and standardized guidelines to determine ROIs. Therefore, ROIs may be determined differently by each observer even for the same IRT images, which can result in an important issue for IRT reliability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inter-examiner reliability of IRT in patients with CRPS.
METHODS: Infrared thermographic images of 28 patients diagnosed with CRPS were reviewed by three independent examiners. The shapes, sizes, and the detailed locations of the ROIs were determined by the investigator's own opinion based on patient history and symptoms. After maximal skin temperature of the ROI was obtained for each patient, the degree of agreement among the three examiners limbs was assessed.
RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient among the three independent raters was 0.865 (95% confidence interval, 0.748-0.933), indicating a high degree of reliability (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of IRT for assessing skin temperature abnormalities in CRPS was high when the ROIs were determined based on patient history and symptoms.
Eunjoo Choi Pyung-Bok Lee Francis Sahngun Nahm Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
Skin Research and Technology (Impact Factor: 1.41). 01/2013; DOI: 10.1111/srt.12032
Source: PubMed
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Infrared thermography (IRT) is a useful tool for assessing skin temperature abnormalities in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Although determining regions of interest (ROIs) is an essential process for interpreting thermographic images, there are no validated and standardized guidelines to determine ROIs. Therefore, ROIs may be determined differently by each observer even for the same IRT images, which can result in an important issue for IRT reliability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inter-examiner reliability of IRT in patients with CRPS.
METHODS: Infrared thermographic images of 28 patients diagnosed with CRPS were reviewed by three independent examiners. The shapes, sizes, and the detailed locations of the ROIs were determined by the investigator's own opinion based on patient history and symptoms. After maximal skin temperature of the ROI was obtained for each patient, the degree of agreement among the three examiners limbs was assessed.
RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient among the three independent raters was 0.865 (95% confidence interval, 0.748-0.933), indicating a high degree of reliability (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of IRT for assessing skin temperature abnormalities in CRPS was high when the ROIs were determined based on patient history and symptoms.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
The analgesic efficacy of bee venom acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: a comparative study with needle acupuncture.
The analgesic efficacy of bee venom acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: a comparative study with needle acupuncture.
Kwon YB, Kim JH, Yoon JH, Lee JD, Han HJ, Mar WC, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea.
The aim of this investigation was to determine whether bee venom (BV) administered directly into an acupoint was a clinically effective and safe method for relieving the pain of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) as compared to traditional needle acupuncture. We evaluated the efficacy of BV acupuncture using both pain relief scores and computerized infrared thermography (IRT) following 4 weeks of BV acupuncture treatment. We observed that a significantly higher proportion of subjects receiving BV acupuncture reported substantial pain relief as compared with those receiving traditional needle acupuncture therapy. Furthermore, the IRT score was significantly improved and paralleled the level of pain relief.
Kwon YB, Kim JH, Yoon JH, Lee JD, Han HJ, Mar WC, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea.
The aim of this investigation was to determine whether bee venom (BV) administered directly into an acupoint was a clinically effective and safe method for relieving the pain of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) as compared to traditional needle acupuncture. We evaluated the efficacy of BV acupuncture using both pain relief scores and computerized infrared thermography (IRT) following 4 weeks of BV acupuncture treatment. We observed that a significantly higher proportion of subjects receiving BV acupuncture reported substantial pain relief as compared with those receiving traditional needle acupuncture therapy. Furthermore, the IRT score was significantly improved and paralleled the level of pain relief.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Screening for fever by remote-sensing infrared thermographic camera.
Screening for fever by remote-sensing infrared thermographic camera.
Chan LS et al.; Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Following the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, remote-sensing infrared
thermography (IRT) has been advocated as a possible means of screening for fever in travelers
at airports and border crossings, but its applicability has not been established. We therefore set
out to evaluate (1) the feasibility of IRT imaging to identify subjects with fever, and (2) the optimal
instrumental configuration and validity for such testing. CONCLUSIONS: IRT readings from the
side of the face, especially from the ear at 0.5 m, yielded the most reliable, precise and consistent
estimates of conventionally determined body temperatures. Our results have important
implications for walk-through IRT scanning/screening systems at airports and border crossings,
particularly as the point prevalence of fever in such subjects would be very low.
Chan LS et al.; Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Following the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, remote-sensing infrared
thermography (IRT) has been advocated as a possible means of screening for fever in travelers
at airports and border crossings, but its applicability has not been established. We therefore set
out to evaluate (1) the feasibility of IRT imaging to identify subjects with fever, and (2) the optimal
instrumental configuration and validity for such testing. CONCLUSIONS: IRT readings from the
side of the face, especially from the ear at 0.5 m, yielded the most reliable, precise and consistent
estimates of conventionally determined body temperatures. Our results have important
implications for walk-through IRT scanning/screening systems at airports and border crossings,
particularly as the point prevalence of fever in such subjects would be very low.
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