Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that can be very useful in detecting Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), as well as in preventing amputations. Here’s how it works and its benefits:
How Thermography Works
IRT detects infrared radiation emitted by the body and converts it into temperature data, creating thermal images. These images can reveal temperature variations on the skin surface, which are indicative of underlying blood flow issues.
- Patient came to the clinic to have his right toe checked for a DFU but in thermal imaging, a serious blood circulation issue was found on the left foot.
- This was detected in time to save the foot with an arterial stent
Benefits in PAD/CLI Detection
- Early Detection: IRT can identify areas with reduced blood flow by detecting cooler regions on the skin. This is crucial for early diagnosis of PAD and CLI, which are conditions characterized by poor blood circulation in the limbs.(1)
- Non-Invasive and Safe: Unlike some other diagnostic methods, thermography is non-contact and does not involve radiation, making it safe for repeated use.(1)
- Quick and Painless: The procedure is quick and painless, providing immediate results that can be used to assess the severity of the condition.(1)
Amputation Prevention
- Monitoring and Management: By regularly monitoring temperature changes in the limbs, healthcare providers can detect early signs of worsening blood flow and intervene promptly. This can help in managing the condition more effectively and preventing complications that could lead to amputation (2)
- Assessing Treatment Efficacy: IRT can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments such as revascularization or pharmacological therapy by showing improvements in blood flow. (1)
- Personalized Care: The detailed thermal images allow for personalized treatment plans, targeting specific areas that need more attention. (2)
(1) Piva, G. et al. The Value of Infrared Thermography to Assess Foot and Limb Perfusion in Relation to Medical, Surgical, Exercise or Pharmacological Interventions in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics 2022, 12, 3007. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12123007
(2) Rosell-Diago, M.P. et al. Thermography, Temperature, Pressure Force Distribution and Physical Activity in Diabetic Foot: A Systematic Review. Appl. Sci. 2024, 14, 8726. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198726