Diagnostic Thermography

Abstract

Under standard and normalized environmental conditions, the thermal contrasts or patterns that exist on the exposed human skin are determined largely by the heat conducted to the skin locally from underlying organs, or variations in blood flow. These localized temperatures give rise to corresponding variations in the rates at which ir energy is radiated. Instruments are available that are capable of translating these differences in rates to photographic images or thermograms. In the absence of disease or pathology, there exists a normal thermal signature for each human. The presence of pathology grossly alters the thermogram and gives rise to a valuable diagnostic procedure-to a unique method of nondestructive testing or remote sensing.

Temperature measurement on tissue surface during laser irradiation

“…The infrared thermal imaging technique is suitable for its supportive use during treatment. In addition, the infrared images may also be used in the detection of early breast cancers [1]. The light transport and heat diffusion model for the simulation of laser tissue interaction have become robust to predict the thermal response of the tissue during treatment.…”

“…Thermal abnormalities, either elevated or depressed, are usually caused by metabolic irregularities in the body [1]. With the advancement of infrared thermography (IRT), it is possible to make thermal images of the extended areas of skin to determine the abnormalities.…”

“…With the advancement of infrared thermography (IRT), it is possible to make thermal images of the extended areas of skin to determine the abnormalities. It is also possible to determine the temperature gradients between adjacent points and areas of skin, which helps localize the affected region [1]. This technique is safe and noninvasive because it uses emitted radiant energy from the skin.…”

Tender feet and high stepping: Soring in the Tennessee walking horse industry

“…For example, immediately before a class many trainers will apply ice packs or ethyl chloride to sored horses to make the soreness less evident to the inspector. By 1974 the use of Thermovision (Barnes, 1968) for the detection of soring greatly reduced the presence of abused horses at large shows where APHIS teams appeared unannounced. A number of trainers received fines ranging from $100 to $1,000.…”

Use of Infrared Thermography for Evaluation of Skin Temperature during Cycling Exercise

“…The third and most widely accepted approach involves a composite correction for each temperature value based upon the aforementioned anatomic size differences as well as known physiological variations in thermal sensitivity of the skin underneath the thermistors (Nadel et al, 1973). Regardless of the approach taken, the use of thermistors to assess skin temperature has been questioned (Barnes, 1968;Veghte, Adams, & Bernauer, 1979) primarily because the thermistor-skin contact may potentially alter heat transfer characteristics of the underlying regions (Stoll, 1950). In addition, if the sensor is placed on the skin overlying a small superficial vascular bed, its temperature may be spuriously high or if it is overlying a thick layer of subcutaneous fat, the resulting temperature may be unduly biased by the temperature of the environment.…”