Facial skin surface temperature changes during a "concealed information" test.
Department of Defense Polygraph Institute, 7540 Pickens Ave., Fort Jackson, SC, 29207, USA.
When individuals who commit a crime are questioned, they often show involuntary physiological
responses to remembered details of that crime. This phenomenon is the basis for the concealed
information test, in which rarely occurring crime-related details are embedded in a series of more
frequently occurring crime-irrelevant items while respiratory, cardiovascular, and electrodermal responses are recorded. Two experiments were completed to investigate the feasibility of using facial skin surface temperature (SST) measures recorded using high definition thermographic images as the physiological measure during a concealed information test. ... During both experiments, there were significant facial SST differences between deceptive and nondeceptive participants early in the analysis interval. In the second experiment, hemifacial (i.e., "half-face" divided along the longitudinal axis) effects were combined with the bilateral responses to correctly classify 91.7% of participants. These results suggest that thermal image analysis can be effective in discriminating deceptive and nondeceptive individuals during a concealed information test.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of autism via meridian theory.
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of autism via meridian theory.
Lo SY.
Source Quantum Health Research Institute, 3788 Oakdale Ave, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA. ideaclinic@yahoo.com
Abstract
A twelve-week pilot study was conducted on 11 male children, aged five to 19 years, who had ASD (autistic symptom disorder) of varying degrees of severity. These eleven subjects were each examined three times in the 12-week period: at the first week, 6th week, and 12th week. During each examination, two sets of full-body thermographs were taken of each child, before and fifteen minutes after drinking a solution of stable water clusters with a double helix configuration. This solution of stable water clusters is called double helix water (DHW). In the before thermographs, a consistent thermal pattern of six hot regions of body surface temperature were identified. They are: left and right upper forehead region of the face; left and right area in front of the center of the ear; left and right area of the inner extreme point of the eye; left and right collarbone region; left and right side neck region; and left and right armpit region. These areas may be interpreted as regions surrounding various acupoints along the GB, BL, ST, SI, SJ meridians. These meridians are yang meridians that on one end reach the head, and hence have branches reaching into the brain, and on the other end reach to the gastrointestinal tract and urinary bladder system. Thus, they can be considered to explain the major clinical symptoms of ASD. These thermal patterns, if confirmed in a larger clinical study, may lead to a new way to diagnose ASD, and to test the effectiveness of any treatment. When such a thermal pattern is discovered early, say around the age of 18 months, preventive action can be initiated before observation of any behavior disorder. We simultaneously studied the healing effect of stable water clusters with double helix configuration (DHW) on these subjects. The quantitative reduction of maximum temperature at these six regions was calculated. A consistent reduction was noted and suggests a positive healing effect taking place within a very short time period (fifteen minutes), and lasting over a long time period (12 weeks). Quantitative evaluation by the parents over the 12-week period showed that eight out of 11 children had physiological and behavioral improvement. Our findings with these small numbers suggest a reliable method of early diagnosis/detection and also an effective treatment of ASD. We therefore conclude that a study of larger numbers of children with ASD should be conducted.
Lo SY.
Source Quantum Health Research Institute, 3788 Oakdale Ave, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA. ideaclinic@yahoo.com
Abstract
A twelve-week pilot study was conducted on 11 male children, aged five to 19 years, who had ASD (autistic symptom disorder) of varying degrees of severity. These eleven subjects were each examined three times in the 12-week period: at the first week, 6th week, and 12th week. During each examination, two sets of full-body thermographs were taken of each child, before and fifteen minutes after drinking a solution of stable water clusters with a double helix configuration. This solution of stable water clusters is called double helix water (DHW). In the before thermographs, a consistent thermal pattern of six hot regions of body surface temperature were identified. They are: left and right upper forehead region of the face; left and right area in front of the center of the ear; left and right area of the inner extreme point of the eye; left and right collarbone region; left and right side neck region; and left and right armpit region. These areas may be interpreted as regions surrounding various acupoints along the GB, BL, ST, SI, SJ meridians. These meridians are yang meridians that on one end reach the head, and hence have branches reaching into the brain, and on the other end reach to the gastrointestinal tract and urinary bladder system. Thus, they can be considered to explain the major clinical symptoms of ASD. These thermal patterns, if confirmed in a larger clinical study, may lead to a new way to diagnose ASD, and to test the effectiveness of any treatment. When such a thermal pattern is discovered early, say around the age of 18 months, preventive action can be initiated before observation of any behavior disorder. We simultaneously studied the healing effect of stable water clusters with double helix configuration (DHW) on these subjects. The quantitative reduction of maximum temperature at these six regions was calculated. A consistent reduction was noted and suggests a positive healing effect taking place within a very short time period (fifteen minutes), and lasting over a long time period (12 weeks). Quantitative evaluation by the parents over the 12-week period showed that eight out of 11 children had physiological and behavioral improvement. Our findings with these small numbers suggest a reliable method of early diagnosis/detection and also an effective treatment of ASD. We therefore conclude that a study of larger numbers of children with ASD should be conducted.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Contemporary applications of infrared imaging in medical diagnostics
Contemporary applications of infrared imaging in medical diagnostics
Mikulska D.
Katedra i Klinika Chorób Skórnych i Wenerycznych Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej al. Powstanców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin.
INTRODUCTION: Thermal imaging is a non-contact, non-invasive diagnostic method
for study human body temperature. Therefore infra red thermal imaging finds
increasing application in clinical medicine.
PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to
present and discuss the history and applications of thermal imaging in medicine.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The literature dealing with the history and applications
of thermal imaging in medicine has been reviewed.
RESULTS: Medical thermography was born in 1957 when a surgeon, Dr. R. Lawson discovered that his breast cancer patients had higher skin temperature over the cancer area. Since the 1970's thermography has been used in many areas of medicine. Early problems such as low detector sensitivity, but most significantly, poor training of thermography technicians was the source of error in thermography and retarded the acceptance of this technique until 1990. Since that time, thermographic equipment has evolved significantly. Modern thermal imaging systems comprise
technically advanced thermal cameras coupled to computers with sophisticated software solutions. The recorded images are now of good quality and may be further processed to obtain reliable information. Thermography can be applied as a diagnostic tool in oncology, allergic diseases, angiology, plastic surgery, rheumatology, and elsewhere. Contemporary thermal imaging must be performed according to certain principles aimed at reliability and reproducibility of results.
CONCLUSIONS: 1. Thermography is a safe, accurate and, most importantly, a noninvasive
diagnostic method in clinical medicine. 2. Ignoring any of the principles worked out by the European Association of Thermology leaves thermography open to error and thus reduces acceptance of this technique in medical diagnostics.
Mikulska D.
Katedra i Klinika Chorób Skórnych i Wenerycznych Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej al. Powstanców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin.
INTRODUCTION: Thermal imaging is a non-contact, non-invasive diagnostic method
for study human body temperature. Therefore infra red thermal imaging finds
increasing application in clinical medicine.
PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to
present and discuss the history and applications of thermal imaging in medicine.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The literature dealing with the history and applications
of thermal imaging in medicine has been reviewed.
RESULTS: Medical thermography was born in 1957 when a surgeon, Dr. R. Lawson discovered that his breast cancer patients had higher skin temperature over the cancer area. Since the 1970's thermography has been used in many areas of medicine. Early problems such as low detector sensitivity, but most significantly, poor training of thermography technicians was the source of error in thermography and retarded the acceptance of this technique until 1990. Since that time, thermographic equipment has evolved significantly. Modern thermal imaging systems comprise
technically advanced thermal cameras coupled to computers with sophisticated software solutions. The recorded images are now of good quality and may be further processed to obtain reliable information. Thermography can be applied as a diagnostic tool in oncology, allergic diseases, angiology, plastic surgery, rheumatology, and elsewhere. Contemporary thermal imaging must be performed according to certain principles aimed at reliability and reproducibility of results.
CONCLUSIONS: 1. Thermography is a safe, accurate and, most importantly, a noninvasive
diagnostic method in clinical medicine. 2. Ignoring any of the principles worked out by the European Association of Thermology leaves thermography open to error and thus reduces acceptance of this technique in medical diagnostics.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Evaluation of low level laser and interferential current in the therapy of complex regional pain syndrome by infrared thermographic camera.
Evaluation of low level laser and interferential current in the therapy of complex regional pain syndrome by infrared thermographic camera.
[Article in Serbian] Kocić M, Lazović M, Dimitrijević I, Mancić D, Stanković A. Source Klinicki centar Nis, Klinika za fizikalnu medicinu, rehabilitaciju i protetiku, Nis, Srbija. kocicm60@gmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM; Complex regional pain syndrom type I (CRPS I) is characterised by continuous regional pain, disproportional according to duration and intensity and to the sort of trauma or other lesion it was caused by. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare, by using thermovison, the effects of low level laser therapy and therapy with interferential current in treatment of CRPS I.
METHODS: The prospective randomized controlled clinical study included 45 patients with unilateral CRPS 1, after a fracture of the distal end of the radius, of the tibia and/or the fibula, treated in the Clinical Centre in Nis from 2004 to 2007. The group A consisted of 20 patients treated by low level laser therapy and kinesy-therapy, while the patients in the group B (n = 25) were treated by interferential current and kinesy-therapy. The regions of interest were filmed by a thermovision camera on both sides, before and after the 20 therapeutic procedures had been applied. Afterwards, the quantitative analysis and the comparing of thermograms taken before and after the applied therapy were performed.
RESULTS: There was statistically significant decrease of the mean maximum temperature difference between the injured and the contralateral extremity after the therapy in comparison to the status before the therapy, with the patients of the group A (p < 0.001) as well as those of the group B (p < 0.001). The decrease was statistically significantly higher in the group A than in the group B (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: By the use of the infrared thermovision we showed that in the treatment of CRPS I both physical medicine methods were effective, but the effectiveness of laser therapy was statistically significantly higher compared to that of the interferential current therapy
[Article in Serbian] Kocić M, Lazović M, Dimitrijević I, Mancić D, Stanković A. Source Klinicki centar Nis, Klinika za fizikalnu medicinu, rehabilitaciju i protetiku, Nis, Srbija. kocicm60@gmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM; Complex regional pain syndrom type I (CRPS I) is characterised by continuous regional pain, disproportional according to duration and intensity and to the sort of trauma or other lesion it was caused by. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare, by using thermovison, the effects of low level laser therapy and therapy with interferential current in treatment of CRPS I.
METHODS: The prospective randomized controlled clinical study included 45 patients with unilateral CRPS 1, after a fracture of the distal end of the radius, of the tibia and/or the fibula, treated in the Clinical Centre in Nis from 2004 to 2007. The group A consisted of 20 patients treated by low level laser therapy and kinesy-therapy, while the patients in the group B (n = 25) were treated by interferential current and kinesy-therapy. The regions of interest were filmed by a thermovision camera on both sides, before and after the 20 therapeutic procedures had been applied. Afterwards, the quantitative analysis and the comparing of thermograms taken before and after the applied therapy were performed.
RESULTS: There was statistically significant decrease of the mean maximum temperature difference between the injured and the contralateral extremity after the therapy in comparison to the status before the therapy, with the patients of the group A (p < 0.001) as well as those of the group B (p < 0.001). The decrease was statistically significantly higher in the group A than in the group B (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: By the use of the infrared thermovision we showed that in the treatment of CRPS I both physical medicine methods were effective, but the effectiveness of laser therapy was statistically significantly higher compared to that of the interferential current therapy
Monday, November 16, 2015
Infrared thermography as an access pathway for individuals with severe motor impairments.
Infrared thermography as an access pathway for individuals with severe motor impairments.
Memarian N, Venetsanopoulos AN, Chau T. Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
BACKGROUND: People with severe motor impairments often require an alternative access pathway, such as a binary switch, to communicate and to interact with their environment. A wide range of access pathways have been developed from simple mechanical switches to sophisticated physiological ones. In this manuscript we report the inaugural investigation of infrared thermography as a non-invasive and non-contact access pathway by which individuals with disabilities can interact and perhaps eventually communicate.
METHODS: Our method exploits the local temperature changes associated with mouth opening/closing to enable a highly sensitive and specific binary switch. Ten participants (two with severe disabilities) provided examples of mouth opening and closing. Thermographic videos of each participant were recorded with an infrared thermal camera and processed using a computerized algorithm. The algorithm detected a mouth open-close pattern using a combination of adaptive thermal intensity filtering, motion tracking and morphological analysis.
RESULTS: High detection sensitivity and low error rate were achieved for the majority of the participants (mean sensitivity of all participants: 88.5% +/- 11.3; mean specificity of all participants: 99.4% +/- 0.7). The algorithm performance was robust against participant motion and changes in the background scene.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that further research on the infrared thermographic access pathway is warranted. Flexible camera location, convenience of use and robustness to ambient lighting levels, changes in background scene and extraneous body movements make this a potential new access modality that can be used night or day in unconstrained environments.
Memarian N, Venetsanopoulos AN, Chau T. Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
BACKGROUND: People with severe motor impairments often require an alternative access pathway, such as a binary switch, to communicate and to interact with their environment. A wide range of access pathways have been developed from simple mechanical switches to sophisticated physiological ones. In this manuscript we report the inaugural investigation of infrared thermography as a non-invasive and non-contact access pathway by which individuals with disabilities can interact and perhaps eventually communicate.
METHODS: Our method exploits the local temperature changes associated with mouth opening/closing to enable a highly sensitive and specific binary switch. Ten participants (two with severe disabilities) provided examples of mouth opening and closing. Thermographic videos of each participant were recorded with an infrared thermal camera and processed using a computerized algorithm. The algorithm detected a mouth open-close pattern using a combination of adaptive thermal intensity filtering, motion tracking and morphological analysis.
RESULTS: High detection sensitivity and low error rate were achieved for the majority of the participants (mean sensitivity of all participants: 88.5% +/- 11.3; mean specificity of all participants: 99.4% +/- 0.7). The algorithm performance was robust against participant motion and changes in the background scene.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that further research on the infrared thermographic access pathway is warranted. Flexible camera location, convenience of use and robustness to ambient lighting levels, changes in background scene and extraneous body movements make this a potential new access modality that can be used night or day in unconstrained environments.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
The application of temperature measurement of the eyes by digital infrared thermal imaging as a prognostic factor of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy.
The application of temperature measurement of the eyes by digital infrared thermal imaging as a prognostic factor of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy.
Shih SR, Li HY, Hsiao YL, Chang TC.
Source
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) involves autoimmune process resulting in proptosis, congestion, oedema and diplopia. Werner's NOSPECS classification and clinical activity score (CAS) of GO cannot objectively describe the inflammatory status. Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) detects local temperature and may reflect the degree of orbital inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of the eye temperature measured by DITI.
METHODS:
Forty-six patients with GO receiving intravenously methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT) were included in this study. Local temperatures of the lateral orbit, upper eyelid, inner caruncle, medial conjunctiva, lateral conjunctiva, lower eyelid and cornea were measured with DITI before and after MPT. CAS, proptosis, eye movement (EOM) and diplopia were also recorded. Improvement of CAS was defined as at least one point decrease at either side of the eye, which was 0.5 score decrease as to the average of bilateral CAS.
RESULTS:
Local temperatures of the eyes decreased after MPT. The mean value of temperature (MT) of 12 points including the lateral orbit, upper eyelid, inner caruncle, medial conjunctiva, lateral conjunctiva and lower eyelid of both eyes before MPT was 32.65 degrees . The mean change of MT after MPT (DeltaT) was -0.22 degrees. DeltaT significantly negative-correlated with basal MT (correlation coefficient=-0.54, p=0.004). Higher baseline MT and CAS before MPT correlated with higher possibility of improvement of CAS after MPT (p=0.013 and 0.012, respectively). Baseline MT and CAS together correlated with improvement of CAS after MPT
better than baseline CAS alone could do (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 82.81% and 66.63%, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS:
Basal temperature of the eyes measured by DITI was an objective indicator of inflammation of GO. Combining CAS and MT could better predict the outcome of MPT than CAS alone.
Shih SR, Li HY, Hsiao YL, Chang TC.
Source
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) involves autoimmune process resulting in proptosis, congestion, oedema and diplopia. Werner's NOSPECS classification and clinical activity score (CAS) of GO cannot objectively describe the inflammatory status. Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) detects local temperature and may reflect the degree of orbital inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of the eye temperature measured by DITI.
METHODS:
Forty-six patients with GO receiving intravenously methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT) were included in this study. Local temperatures of the lateral orbit, upper eyelid, inner caruncle, medial conjunctiva, lateral conjunctiva, lower eyelid and cornea were measured with DITI before and after MPT. CAS, proptosis, eye movement (EOM) and diplopia were also recorded. Improvement of CAS was defined as at least one point decrease at either side of the eye, which was 0.5 score decrease as to the average of bilateral CAS.
RESULTS:
Local temperatures of the eyes decreased after MPT. The mean value of temperature (MT) of 12 points including the lateral orbit, upper eyelid, inner caruncle, medial conjunctiva, lateral conjunctiva and lower eyelid of both eyes before MPT was 32.65 degrees . The mean change of MT after MPT (DeltaT) was -0.22 degrees. DeltaT significantly negative-correlated with basal MT (correlation coefficient=-0.54, p=0.004). Higher baseline MT and CAS before MPT correlated with higher possibility of improvement of CAS after MPT (p=0.013 and 0.012, respectively). Baseline MT and CAS together correlated with improvement of CAS after MPT
better than baseline CAS alone could do (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 82.81% and 66.63%, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS:
Basal temperature of the eyes measured by DITI was an objective indicator of inflammation of GO. Combining CAS and MT could better predict the outcome of MPT than CAS alone.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Vision of the future: initial experience with intraoperative real-time high-resolution dynamic infrared imaging
Vision of the future: initial experience with intraoperative real-time high-resolution dynamic infrared imaging.
Technical note.
Ecker RD, Goerss SJ, Meyer FB, Cohen-Gadol AA, Britton JW, Levine JA. Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
High-resolution dynamic infrared (DIR) imaging provides intraoperative real-time physiological,
anatomical, and pathological information; however, DIR imaging has rarely been used in neurosurgical patients. The authors report on their initial experience with intraoperative DIR imaging in 30 such patients. A novel, long-wave (8-10 micron), narrow-band, focal-plane-array infrared photodetector was incorporated into a camera system with a temperature resolution of 0.006 degrees C, providing 65,000 pixels/frame at a data acquisition rate of 200 frames/second. Intraoperative imaging of patients was performed before and after surgery. Infrared data were subsequently analyzed by examining absolute differences in cortical temperatures, changes in temperature over time, and infrared intensities at varying physiological frequencies. Dynamic infrared imaging was applied in a variety of neurosurgical cases. After resection of an arteriovenous malformation, there was postoperative hyperperfusion of the surrounding brain parenchyma, which was consistent with a loss of autoregulation. Bypass patency and increased perfusion of adjacent brain were documented during two of three extracranial-intracranial bypasses. In seven of nine patients with epilepsy the results of DIR imaging corresponded to seizure foci that had been electrocorticographically mapped preoperatively. Dynamic infrared imaging demonstrated the functional cortex in four of nine patients undergoing awake resection and cortical stimulation. Finally, DIR imaging exhibited the distinct thermal footprints of 14 of 16 brain tumors. Dynamic infrared imaging may prove to be a powerful adjunctive intraoperative diagnostic tool in the neurosurgical imaging armamentarium. Real-time assessment of cerebral vessel patency and cerebral perfusion are the most direct applications of this technology. Uses of this imaging modality in the localization of epileptic foci, identification of functional cortex during awake craniotomy, and determination of tumor border and intraoperative brain shift are avenues of inquiry that require further investigation.
Technical note.
Ecker RD, Goerss SJ, Meyer FB, Cohen-Gadol AA, Britton JW, Levine JA. Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
High-resolution dynamic infrared (DIR) imaging provides intraoperative real-time physiological,
anatomical, and pathological information; however, DIR imaging has rarely been used in neurosurgical patients. The authors report on their initial experience with intraoperative DIR imaging in 30 such patients. A novel, long-wave (8-10 micron), narrow-band, focal-plane-array infrared photodetector was incorporated into a camera system with a temperature resolution of 0.006 degrees C, providing 65,000 pixels/frame at a data acquisition rate of 200 frames/second. Intraoperative imaging of patients was performed before and after surgery. Infrared data were subsequently analyzed by examining absolute differences in cortical temperatures, changes in temperature over time, and infrared intensities at varying physiological frequencies. Dynamic infrared imaging was applied in a variety of neurosurgical cases. After resection of an arteriovenous malformation, there was postoperative hyperperfusion of the surrounding brain parenchyma, which was consistent with a loss of autoregulation. Bypass patency and increased perfusion of adjacent brain were documented during two of three extracranial-intracranial bypasses. In seven of nine patients with epilepsy the results of DIR imaging corresponded to seizure foci that had been electrocorticographically mapped preoperatively. Dynamic infrared imaging demonstrated the functional cortex in four of nine patients undergoing awake resection and cortical stimulation. Finally, DIR imaging exhibited the distinct thermal footprints of 14 of 16 brain tumors. Dynamic infrared imaging may prove to be a powerful adjunctive intraoperative diagnostic tool in the neurosurgical imaging armamentarium. Real-time assessment of cerebral vessel patency and cerebral perfusion are the most direct applications of this technology. Uses of this imaging modality in the localization of epileptic foci, identification of functional cortex during awake craniotomy, and determination of tumor border and intraoperative brain shift are avenues of inquiry that require further investigation.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Assessment of hand osteoarthritis: correlation between thermographic and radiographic methods.
Assessment of hand osteoarthritis: correlation between thermographic and radiographic methods.
Varju G, Pieper CF, Renner JB, Kraus VB. Box 3416, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
27710, USA.
OBJECTIVE: Anatomical stages of digital osteoarthritis (OA) have been characterized radiographically as progressing through sequential phases from normal to osteophyte formation, progressive loss of joint space, joint erosion and joint remodelling. Our study was designed to evaluate a physiological parameter, joint surface temperature, measured with computerized digital infrared thermal imaging, and its association with sequential stages of radiographic OA (rOA).
METHODS:
Thermograms, radiographs and digital photographs were taken of both hands of 91 subjects with nodal hand OA. Temperature measurements were made on digits 2-5 at distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints (2184 joints in total). We fitted a repeated measures ANCOVA model to analyse the effects of rOA on temperature, with handedness, joint group, digit and NSAID use as covariates.
RESULTS:
The reliability of the thermoscanning procedure was high (generalizability coefficient 0.899 for two scans performed 3 h apart). The mean joint temperature decreased with increasing rOA severity, defined by the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale. The mean temperature of KL0 joints was significantly different from that of each of the other KL grades (P </=0.002). After adjustment for the other covariates, there was a strong association of rOA with joint surface temperature (P<0.001). The earliest discernible radiographic disease (KL1) was associated with a higher surface temperature than KL0 joints (P = 0.01) and a higher surface temperature than any other KL grade. Joint erosions were not associated with a change in joint temperature.
CONCLUSION:
Joint surface temperature varied with the severity of rOA. Joints were warmer than normal at the onset of OA. As the severity of rOA worsened, joint surface temperature declined. These data support the supposition that digital OA progresses in phases initiated by an inflammatory process. The cooler surface temperatures in later stages of the disease may in part explain the paucity of symptoms reported by patients with hand OA.
Varju G, Pieper CF, Renner JB, Kraus VB. Box 3416, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
27710, USA.
OBJECTIVE: Anatomical stages of digital osteoarthritis (OA) have been characterized radiographically as progressing through sequential phases from normal to osteophyte formation, progressive loss of joint space, joint erosion and joint remodelling. Our study was designed to evaluate a physiological parameter, joint surface temperature, measured with computerized digital infrared thermal imaging, and its association with sequential stages of radiographic OA (rOA).
METHODS:
Thermograms, radiographs and digital photographs were taken of both hands of 91 subjects with nodal hand OA. Temperature measurements were made on digits 2-5 at distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints (2184 joints in total). We fitted a repeated measures ANCOVA model to analyse the effects of rOA on temperature, with handedness, joint group, digit and NSAID use as covariates.
RESULTS:
The reliability of the thermoscanning procedure was high (generalizability coefficient 0.899 for two scans performed 3 h apart). The mean joint temperature decreased with increasing rOA severity, defined by the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale. The mean temperature of KL0 joints was significantly different from that of each of the other KL grades (P </=0.002). After adjustment for the other covariates, there was a strong association of rOA with joint surface temperature (P<0.001). The earliest discernible radiographic disease (KL1) was associated with a higher surface temperature than KL0 joints (P = 0.01) and a higher surface temperature than any other KL grade. Joint erosions were not associated with a change in joint temperature.
CONCLUSION:
Joint surface temperature varied with the severity of rOA. Joints were warmer than normal at the onset of OA. As the severity of rOA worsened, joint surface temperature declined. These data support the supposition that digital OA progresses in phases initiated by an inflammatory process. The cooler surface temperatures in later stages of the disease may in part explain the paucity of symptoms reported by patients with hand OA.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Peripheral facial paralysis aided by infrared thermography.
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1991 Jun, 11(2):139-45
Peripheral facial paralysis aided by infrared thermography.
We have carried out clinical observations on 34 patients with peripheral facial paralysis treated by
acupuncture therapy prescribed according to selection of treatment regimen on the basis of facial
thermogram and temperature. A comparison was made with a control group of 97 patients who received conventional acupuncture therapy only. It was found that: (1) The cure rate in the group of selecting acupoints by thermogram (hereinafter referred to as the thermography--aided treatment group) was 67.65%, with a marked improvement rate of 26.40%; while the cure rate of the conventional acupuncture treatment group (hereinafter called the conventional treatment group) was 46.39%, the marked improvement rate being 29.90%, indicating a significant difference in therapeutic efficacy between the two groups (P less than 0.02). (2) The average duration of acupuncture therapy for the thermography aided treatment group was 6.02 weeks, whereas that for the conventional treatment group, 24 weeks. There was also a significant difference between the two groups (p less than 0.01). (3) During the entire therapeutic course, 25.2 sessions of treatment were given on the average in the thermography--aided treatment group, and 78.8 sessions in the conventional treatment group, showing a very significant difference (P less than 0.001). The present thermography--aided method exhibits advantages over the conventional one in enhancing the cure rate and shortening the duration of treatment, which is worthy to be popularized in clinical practice. It is also of certain significance in standardization and scientification of acupuncture therapy.
Zhang D; Wei Z; Wen B; Gao H; Peng Y; Wang F.
Peripheral facial paralysis aided by infrared thermography.
We have carried out clinical observations on 34 patients with peripheral facial paralysis treated by
acupuncture therapy prescribed according to selection of treatment regimen on the basis of facial
thermogram and temperature. A comparison was made with a control group of 97 patients who received conventional acupuncture therapy only. It was found that: (1) The cure rate in the group of selecting acupoints by thermogram (hereinafter referred to as the thermography--aided treatment group) was 67.65%, with a marked improvement rate of 26.40%; while the cure rate of the conventional acupuncture treatment group (hereinafter called the conventional treatment group) was 46.39%, the marked improvement rate being 29.90%, indicating a significant difference in therapeutic efficacy between the two groups (P less than 0.02). (2) The average duration of acupuncture therapy for the thermography aided treatment group was 6.02 weeks, whereas that for the conventional treatment group, 24 weeks. There was also a significant difference between the two groups (p less than 0.01). (3) During the entire therapeutic course, 25.2 sessions of treatment were given on the average in the thermography--aided treatment group, and 78.8 sessions in the conventional treatment group, showing a very significant difference (P less than 0.001). The present thermography--aided method exhibits advantages over the conventional one in enhancing the cure rate and shortening the duration of treatment, which is worthy to be popularized in clinical practice. It is also of certain significance in standardization and scientification of acupuncture therapy.
Zhang D; Wei Z; Wen B; Gao H; Peng Y; Wang F.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Infrared thermography: a rapid, portable, and accurate technique to detect experimental pneumothorax.
Infrared thermography: a rapid, portable, and accurate technique to detect experimental pneumothorax.
Rich PB, Dulabon GR, Douillet CD, Listwa TM, Robinson WP, Zarzaur BL, Pearlstein R, Katz LM.
Source
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Medical Wing D Room 186, CB #7228, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7228 USA. prich@med.unc.edu
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE:
Pneumothorax (Ptx) is a life-threatening complication that can result from trauma, mechanical ventilation, and invasive procedures. Infrared thermography (IRT), a compact and portable technology, has become highly sensitive. We hypothesized that IRT could detect Ptx by identifying associated changes in skin temperature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Bilateral nonpenetrating chest incisions or needle punctures were performed in 21 anesthetized rats. Rats were then randomized to no, bilateral, left, or right Ptx by either open (n = 16) or closed percutaneous (n = 5) puncture through selected pleurae. Real-time thermographic images and surface temperature data were acquired with a noncooled infrared camera.
RESULTS:
In all cases, blinded observers correctly identified each Ptx with real-time grayscale image analysis. When compared to either the ipsilateral baseline or an abdominal reference, experimental Ptx produced a significantly greater decrease in surface temperature when compared to non-Ptx control.
CONCLUSIONS:
These results demonstrate that portable infrared imaging can rapidly and accurately detect changes in thoracic surface temperature associated with experimental pneumothorax.
Rich PB, Dulabon GR, Douillet CD, Listwa TM, Robinson WP, Zarzaur BL, Pearlstein R, Katz LM.
Source
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Medical Wing D Room 186, CB #7228, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7228 USA. prich@med.unc.edu
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE:
Pneumothorax (Ptx) is a life-threatening complication that can result from trauma, mechanical ventilation, and invasive procedures. Infrared thermography (IRT), a compact and portable technology, has become highly sensitive. We hypothesized that IRT could detect Ptx by identifying associated changes in skin temperature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Bilateral nonpenetrating chest incisions or needle punctures were performed in 21 anesthetized rats. Rats were then randomized to no, bilateral, left, or right Ptx by either open (n = 16) or closed percutaneous (n = 5) puncture through selected pleurae. Real-time thermographic images and surface temperature data were acquired with a noncooled infrared camera.
RESULTS:
In all cases, blinded observers correctly identified each Ptx with real-time grayscale image analysis. When compared to either the ipsilateral baseline or an abdominal reference, experimental Ptx produced a significantly greater decrease in surface temperature when compared to non-Ptx control.
CONCLUSIONS:
These results demonstrate that portable infrared imaging can rapidly and accurately detect changes in thoracic surface temperature associated with experimental pneumothorax.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Infrared thermography: a rapid, portable, and accurate technique to detect experimental pneumothorax.
Infrared thermography: a rapid, portable, and accurate technique to detect experimental pneumothorax.
Rich PB, Dulabon GR, Douillet CD, Listwa TM, Robinson WP, Zarzaur BL, Pearlstein R, Katz LM.
Source
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Medical Wing D Room 186, CB #7228, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7228 USA.
prich@med.unc.edu
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE:
Pneumothorax (Ptx) is a life-threatening complication that can result from trauma, mechanical ventilation, and invasive procedures. Infrared thermography (IRT), a compact and portable technology, has become highly sensitive. We hypothesized that IRT could detect Ptx by identifying associated changes in skin temperature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Bilateral nonpenetrating chest incisions or needle punctures were performed in 21 anesthetized rats. Rats were then randomized to no, bilateral, left, or right Ptx by either open (n = 16) or closed percutaneous (n = 5) puncture through selected pleurae. Real-time thermographic images and surface temperature data were acquired with a noncooled infrared camera.
RESULTS:
In all cases, blinded observers correctly identified each Ptx with real-time grayscale image analysis. When compared to either the ipsilateral baseline or an abdominal reference, experimental Ptx produced a significantly greater decrease in surface temperature when compared to non-Ptx control.
CONCLUSIONS:
These results demonstrate that portable infrared imaging can rapidly and accurately detect changes in thoracic surface temperature associated with experimental pneumothorax.
Rich PB, Dulabon GR, Douillet CD, Listwa TM, Robinson WP, Zarzaur BL, Pearlstein R, Katz LM.
Source
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Medical Wing D Room 186, CB #7228, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7228 USA.
prich@med.unc.edu
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE:
Pneumothorax (Ptx) is a life-threatening complication that can result from trauma, mechanical ventilation, and invasive procedures. Infrared thermography (IRT), a compact and portable technology, has become highly sensitive. We hypothesized that IRT could detect Ptx by identifying associated changes in skin temperature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Bilateral nonpenetrating chest incisions or needle punctures were performed in 21 anesthetized rats. Rats were then randomized to no, bilateral, left, or right Ptx by either open (n = 16) or closed percutaneous (n = 5) puncture through selected pleurae. Real-time thermographic images and surface temperature data were acquired with a noncooled infrared camera.
RESULTS:
In all cases, blinded observers correctly identified each Ptx with real-time grayscale image analysis. When compared to either the ipsilateral baseline or an abdominal reference, experimental Ptx produced a significantly greater decrease in surface temperature when compared to non-Ptx control.
CONCLUSIONS:
These results demonstrate that portable infrared imaging can rapidly and accurately detect changes in thoracic surface temperature associated with experimental pneumothorax.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Thermographic assessment of stellate ganglion block effectiveness during cardiosurgical procedures.
Rogowski J, Mroziński P, Jagielak D, Lango R, Narkiewicz M, Wujtewicz M. Source Department of Cardiosurgery, Institute of Cardiology, Medical University, ul. Debinki 7, Gdańsk. janrog@amg.gda.pl
Abstract
The study present thermographic assessment of the effectiveness of temporary stellate blockade performed during cardiosurgical procedures. The assumption behind this method was the increase in the temperature of upper extremity on the side of blockade, due to the broadening of arterial bed.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted on a group of 30 patients (21 men and 9 women) operated due to coronary disease involving three vessels. Mean age of the patients was 53 years. After introduction of anaesthesia blockade were performed with 2 ml 2% lignocainum and 8 ml 0.5% bupivacaine solution using peratracheal approach. Blockade effectiveness was assessed on the basis of images obtained in thermovisual camera, comparing the temperatures of upper extremity before and within 15 minutes after performing the blockade. Free blood outflow from radial artery, its diameter and length were also evaluated. The results obtained were subject to statistical analysis.
RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (76.6%) displayed the increase in the temperature of upper extremity by 1-3 degrees C. Free blood outflow from radial artery was greater in this group than in the remaining patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Thermography is a useful method for the assessment of stellate blockade effectiveness. Effective blockade results in the increased blood flow in radial artery.
Rogowski J, Mroziński P, Jagielak D, Lango R, Narkiewicz M, Wujtewicz M. Source Department of Cardiosurgery, Institute of Cardiology, Medical University, ul. Debinki 7, Gdańsk. janrog@amg.gda.pl
Abstract
The study present thermographic assessment of the effectiveness of temporary stellate blockade performed during cardiosurgical procedures. The assumption behind this method was the increase in the temperature of upper extremity on the side of blockade, due to the broadening of arterial bed.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted on a group of 30 patients (21 men and 9 women) operated due to coronary disease involving three vessels. Mean age of the patients was 53 years. After introduction of anaesthesia blockade were performed with 2 ml 2% lignocainum and 8 ml 0.5% bupivacaine solution using peratracheal approach. Blockade effectiveness was assessed on the basis of images obtained in thermovisual camera, comparing the temperatures of upper extremity before and within 15 minutes after performing the blockade. Free blood outflow from radial artery, its diameter and length were also evaluated. The results obtained were subject to statistical analysis.
RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (76.6%) displayed the increase in the temperature of upper extremity by 1-3 degrees C. Free blood outflow from radial artery was greater in this group than in the remaining patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Thermography is a useful method for the assessment of stellate blockade effectiveness. Effective blockade results in the increased blood flow in radial artery.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Skin temperature measured by infrared thermography after ultrasound-guided blockade of the sciatic nerve
Skin temperature measured by infrared thermography after ultrasound-guided blockade of the sciatic nerve.
van Haren FG, Kadic L, Driessen JJ.
Source
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
In the present study, we assessed the relationship between subgluteal sciatic nerve blocking and skin temperature by infrared thermography in the lower extremity. We hypothesized that blocking the sciatic nerve will lead to an increase in temperature, and that this will correlate with existing sensory block tests.
METHODS:
We studied 18 healthy individuals undergoing orthopaedic surgery of the foot under ultrasound-guided subgluteal blockade of the sciatic nerve with 30 ml ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml. Skin temperature was measured on the toes, the dorsal and plantar side of the foot, the malleoli, and the lateral side of the lower leg, just before sciatic nerve blockade and at 10-min intervals thereafter.
RESULTS:
Baseline skin temperatures showed a significant distal-to-proximal gradient. After sciatic block, temperatures on the blocked side increased significantly in the toes and foot. When comparing pinprick to skin temperature in a receiver operating curve, there was an AUC of 85.9% (95% confidence interval = 83.7-88.2%, P < 0.001). The medial malleolus (not being innervated by the sciatic nerve) showed no significant difference to the lateral.
CONCLUSIONS:
After sciatic nerve block, temperatures of the foot increased significantly. There was a good correlation between pinprick testing and infrared temperature measurement. This makes infrared skin temperature measuring a good test in determining block success when sensory testing is impossible.
© 2013 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
van Haren FG, Kadic L, Driessen JJ.
Source
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
In the present study, we assessed the relationship between subgluteal sciatic nerve blocking and skin temperature by infrared thermography in the lower extremity. We hypothesized that blocking the sciatic nerve will lead to an increase in temperature, and that this will correlate with existing sensory block tests.
METHODS:
We studied 18 healthy individuals undergoing orthopaedic surgery of the foot under ultrasound-guided subgluteal blockade of the sciatic nerve with 30 ml ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml. Skin temperature was measured on the toes, the dorsal and plantar side of the foot, the malleoli, and the lateral side of the lower leg, just before sciatic nerve blockade and at 10-min intervals thereafter.
RESULTS:
Baseline skin temperatures showed a significant distal-to-proximal gradient. After sciatic block, temperatures on the blocked side increased significantly in the toes and foot. When comparing pinprick to skin temperature in a receiver operating curve, there was an AUC of 85.9% (95% confidence interval = 83.7-88.2%, P < 0.001). The medial malleolus (not being innervated by the sciatic nerve) showed no significant difference to the lateral.
CONCLUSIONS:
After sciatic nerve block, temperatures of the foot increased significantly. There was a good correlation between pinprick testing and infrared temperature measurement. This makes infrared skin temperature measuring a good test in determining block success when sensory testing is impossible.
© 2013 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Thermography and colour duplex ultrasound assessments of arterio-venous fistula function in renal patients.
Thermography and colour duplex ultrasound assessments of arterio-venous fistula function in renal patients.
Allen J, Oates CP, Chishti AD, Ahmed IA, Talbot D, Murray A. Source Regional Medical Physics Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK. john.allen@nuth.nhs.uk
Abstract
Vascular and clinical assessments of arterio-venous fistula (AVF) function and access are important in patients undergoing or preparing to undergo renal dialysis. Objective assessment techniques include colour duplex ultrasound and more recently medical infrared thermography. Ideally, these should help assess problems relating to fistula failure or to vascular steal from the hand which can result from excessive fistula blood flow. The clinical value of thermography, as yet, has not been assessed for this patient group. The aims of this study were therefore to investigate the relationships between thermography skin temperature measurement and (a) quantitative ultrasound measurement of AVF blood flow, and (b) qualitative clinical assessment of vascular steal from the hands. Fifteen adult patients underwent thermal imaging of the upper limbs, colour duplex ultrasound to derive AVF blood flow from brachial artery blood flow measurements, and a clinical evaluation for vascular steal. Temperature measurements were extracted from the thermograms, including bilateral arm and hand (Fistula -- Non-Fistula) differences, for comparison with derived AVF blood flow and steal grading. Derived AVF blood flow ranged from 30 to 1,950 ml min(-1), with a mean rate close to one litre per minute. Thermography detected the warmer superficial veins in proximity to the patent fistulas, with bilateral differences in fistula region skin temperature correlated with derived AVF blood flow (using maximum temperature measurements the correlation was +0.71 [p < 0.01]; and using mean temperature measurements the correlation was +0.56 [p < 0.05]). When thermography measurements were compared with the clinical assessment of steal the mean hand temperature differences separated steal from non-steal patients with an accuracy of greater than 90%. In summary, we have now demonstrated the potential clinical value of medical infrared thermography for assessing AVF function in renal patients.
Allen J, Oates CP, Chishti AD, Ahmed IA, Talbot D, Murray A. Source Regional Medical Physics Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK. john.allen@nuth.nhs.uk
Abstract
Vascular and clinical assessments of arterio-venous fistula (AVF) function and access are important in patients undergoing or preparing to undergo renal dialysis. Objective assessment techniques include colour duplex ultrasound and more recently medical infrared thermography. Ideally, these should help assess problems relating to fistula failure or to vascular steal from the hand which can result from excessive fistula blood flow. The clinical value of thermography, as yet, has not been assessed for this patient group. The aims of this study were therefore to investigate the relationships between thermography skin temperature measurement and (a) quantitative ultrasound measurement of AVF blood flow, and (b) qualitative clinical assessment of vascular steal from the hands. Fifteen adult patients underwent thermal imaging of the upper limbs, colour duplex ultrasound to derive AVF blood flow from brachial artery blood flow measurements, and a clinical evaluation for vascular steal. Temperature measurements were extracted from the thermograms, including bilateral arm and hand (Fistula -- Non-Fistula) differences, for comparison with derived AVF blood flow and steal grading. Derived AVF blood flow ranged from 30 to 1,950 ml min(-1), with a mean rate close to one litre per minute. Thermography detected the warmer superficial veins in proximity to the patent fistulas, with bilateral differences in fistula region skin temperature correlated with derived AVF blood flow (using maximum temperature measurements the correlation was +0.71 [p < 0.01]; and using mean temperature measurements the correlation was +0.56 [p < 0.05]). When thermography measurements were compared with the clinical assessment of steal the mean hand temperature differences separated steal from non-steal patients with an accuracy of greater than 90%. In summary, we have now demonstrated the potential clinical value of medical infrared thermography for assessing AVF function in renal patients.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Peripheral vascular reactions to smoking--profound vasoconstriction by atherosclerosis.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract 1998 Oct;42(1):29-34
Peripheral vascular reactions to smoking--profound vasoconstriction by atherosclerosis.
Fushimi H, Kubo M, Inoue T, Yamada Y, Matsuyama Y, Kameyama M; Department
of Medicine, Sumitomo Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
Analyses of direct effects of smoking on peripheral arteries were done using thermography, blood fluorometry and echography on 97 habitual smoker diabetics without triopathy. There were found to be four types of thermographic changes following smoking, which varied according to the degree of atherosclerosis of the artery. The smoking-stimulated thermographic pattern in the control group of healthy volunteers was a small wavy pattern, fluctuating along the base line every few minutes within a temperature range of 1.0-1.5 degrees C (N type). In diabetics, four types of thermographic patterns were produced: normal (N) type as control, increasing (I) type (increasing in skin temperature), decreasing (D) type (decreasing in temperature), and F type (no changes in temperature). The most significant finding was the decreasing pattern which closely connected to clinical and echographic aspects of macroangiopathic changes. The increasing type was characterized by a paradoxical increase in temperature after smoking in order diabetics with good blood glucose control and who were less atherosclerotic. Blood flow was correlated to the skin temperature at the base state and changes after smoking. Moreover, blood flow changes measured by fluorometry suggest that vasoconstriction or vasodilatation following smoking took place. These results suggest that
this smoking test might be a good tool for diagnosing for the degree of atherosclerosis and for its
following up.
Peripheral vascular reactions to smoking--profound vasoconstriction by atherosclerosis.
Fushimi H, Kubo M, Inoue T, Yamada Y, Matsuyama Y, Kameyama M; Department
of Medicine, Sumitomo Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
Analyses of direct effects of smoking on peripheral arteries were done using thermography, blood fluorometry and echography on 97 habitual smoker diabetics without triopathy. There were found to be four types of thermographic changes following smoking, which varied according to the degree of atherosclerosis of the artery. The smoking-stimulated thermographic pattern in the control group of healthy volunteers was a small wavy pattern, fluctuating along the base line every few minutes within a temperature range of 1.0-1.5 degrees C (N type). In diabetics, four types of thermographic patterns were produced: normal (N) type as control, increasing (I) type (increasing in skin temperature), decreasing (D) type (decreasing in temperature), and F type (no changes in temperature). The most significant finding was the decreasing pattern which closely connected to clinical and echographic aspects of macroangiopathic changes. The increasing type was characterized by a paradoxical increase in temperature after smoking in order diabetics with good blood glucose control and who were less atherosclerotic. Blood flow was correlated to the skin temperature at the base state and changes after smoking. Moreover, blood flow changes measured by fluorometry suggest that vasoconstriction or vasodilatation following smoking took place. These results suggest that
this smoking test might be a good tool for diagnosing for the degree of atherosclerosis and for its
following up.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Is DVT Excluded by Normal Thermal Imaging - An Outcome Study of 700 Cases.
Deep Vein Thrombosis: Proceedings - 19th International Conference - IEEE/EMBS Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 1997 Chicago, IL
Is DVT Excluded by Normal Thermal Imaging - An Outcome Study of 700 Cases.
Harding, J. Richard; Barnes, Kathryn M.; Department of Clinical Radiology, St Woolos Hospital, Glan Hafren NHS Trust, Newport, Gwent, U.K.
In view of the many advantages compared with venography or Doppler ultrasound, and the ability to avoid the necessity for over one third of these investigations, thermal imaging should be considered the initial investigation of choice in clinically suspected DVT, proceeding to venography or Doppler ultrasound only when thermal imaging is positive. There are risks and disadvantages to the most commonly utilised conventional tests for DVT, over one third of which examinations can be avoided by performing thermal imaging as the initial investigation, which excludes DVT when normal. This outcome study followed up patients with clinically suspected DVT who were not further investigated or treated following normal thermal imaging, and showed that no patients developed PE (pulmonary embolism) following normal thermography with no further investigation for DVT and withholding of anticoagulant therapy.
Is DVT Excluded by Normal Thermal Imaging - An Outcome Study of 700 Cases.
Harding, J. Richard; Barnes, Kathryn M.; Department of Clinical Radiology, St Woolos Hospital, Glan Hafren NHS Trust, Newport, Gwent, U.K.
In view of the many advantages compared with venography or Doppler ultrasound, and the ability to avoid the necessity for over one third of these investigations, thermal imaging should be considered the initial investigation of choice in clinically suspected DVT, proceeding to venography or Doppler ultrasound only when thermal imaging is positive. There are risks and disadvantages to the most commonly utilised conventional tests for DVT, over one third of which examinations can be avoided by performing thermal imaging as the initial investigation, which excludes DVT when normal. This outcome study followed up patients with clinically suspected DVT who were not further investigated or treated following normal thermal imaging, and showed that no patients developed PE (pulmonary embolism) following normal thermography with no further investigation for DVT and withholding of anticoagulant therapy.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Thermography and laser-Doppler flowmetry for monitoring changes in finger skin blood flow upon cigarette smoking.
Clin Physiol 1991 Mar;11(2):135-41
Thermography and laser-Doppler flowmetry for monitoring changes in finger skin blood flow upon cigarette smoking.
Bornmyr S, Svensson H.; Department of Clinical Physiology, Allmanna Sjukhuset, Malmo, Sweden.
Haemodynamic changes after smoking two 1.1 mg nicotine cigarettes were monitored in 24 smokers on two different occasions. Smoking caused an increase in heart rate and arterial blood pressure, whereas finger temperature as measured by thermography and finger skin blood flow as measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF) decreased. Lowest values were seen within 15 min by LDF, and after 30 min by thermography. Changes in the two methods correlated closely, however, when maximum responses during a 45-min period after smoking were compared. The wider distribution of LDF values would seem to be due to the small measuring volume which is susceptible to differences in vascular anatomy and reactivity. In both methods, responses showed a high degree of reproducibility.
Thermography and laser-Doppler flowmetry for monitoring changes in finger skin blood flow upon cigarette smoking.
Bornmyr S, Svensson H.; Department of Clinical Physiology, Allmanna Sjukhuset, Malmo, Sweden.
Haemodynamic changes after smoking two 1.1 mg nicotine cigarettes were monitored in 24 smokers on two different occasions. Smoking caused an increase in heart rate and arterial blood pressure, whereas finger temperature as measured by thermography and finger skin blood flow as measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF) decreased. Lowest values were seen within 15 min by LDF, and after 30 min by thermography. Changes in the two methods correlated closely, however, when maximum responses during a 45-min period after smoking were compared. The wider distribution of LDF values would seem to be due to the small measuring volume which is susceptible to differences in vascular anatomy and reactivity. In both methods, responses showed a high degree of reproducibility.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Beating Breast Cancer
William Hobbins, MD, FABS, DABCT, FIACT William Amalu, DC, DABCT, DIACT,
FIACT
This year, over 192,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the US and 1.2 million worldwide (Source: American Cancer Society and WHO). As shocking as these numbers are, even worse is the number of cancers that won’t be detected until it’s too late. The consensus among
experts is that early detection holds the key to survival. Although this is true, detection is not occurring early enough. Even though women are advised to begin having mammograms at 40, what they don’t know is that by the time most cancers are detected they have been growing for 10 years, and that 20% of all cancers can’t be seen by a mammogram. It is because of these factors, and others, that the number of women who die from this disease has gone relatively unchanged in the past 40 years.
A change from sole dependence upon procedures that only provide detection of existing cancers to technologies that reflect the early cancerous process itself would provide women with true screening.
If a significant change in breast cancer mortality is to be realized, we have to rethink what screening tests truly are. Are we currently providing “screening” or “detection”? A critical look at what we are
providing women must be made. If there were a method of very early detection, a procedure that would act as an early warning system, women would have the fighting chance they need to win this battle. What is needed is a biological risk marker. A biological risk marker would be able to turn these grave statistics around, as aggressive tissues would be detected before they were able to
invade the rest of the body. Women now have access to a unique technology that can give them this early warning; a procedure called Breast Thermography.
Breast thermography is an imaging technology that uses advanced computerized infrared camera systems to detect heat patterns in the breast. When a cancer is forming it develops its own blood supply in order to feed its accelerated growth (a process known as malignant angiogenesis). Even
more important, precancerous tissues can start this process well in advance of the cells becoming malignant. This increased Research has determined that the single greatest risk factor for the future development of breast cancer is lifetime exposure of the breasts to estrogen. In which case, controlling the influence of estrogen on the breasts would be the single greatest method of primary breast cancer prevention. Studies show that breast thermography has the ability to warn a woman that a cancer may be forming up to 10 years before any other test can detect it. blood supply causes an abnormal heat pattern in the breast. Thermography can detect this abnormal heat pattern by scanning the breasts with a specialized infrared camera and analyzing the information using sophisticated computer programs under the guidance of a doctor who is board certified in the procedure. These abnormal heat patterns are among the earliest known signs of a forming cancer.
Studies show that this technology has the ability to warn a woman that a cancer may be forming up to 10 years before any other test can detect it.
An unprecedented level of early detection can be realized when thermography is added to a
woman’s regular breast health care. It has been found that an abnormal thermographic image is the single most important sign of high risk for developing breast cancer, 10 times more significant than a first order family history of the disease. This gives breast thermography not only the ability to detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage, but to also act as a biological marker warning a woman about her own unique level of future risk for breast cancer.
Women who undergo the test find it to be fairly uneventful, since the procedure uses no radiation or contact with the breasts. Women with dense breasts, implants, and women who are pregnant or nursing can be imaged without any harm or reduction in the accuracy of the test. Normal images, show evenly cool inactive breasts (dark colors represent cold areas). Abnormal images, as seen on the right, show highly active blood vessels giving off heat in one breast. Since the procedure does not pose any harm to the patient, women who are at higher risk can be monitored closely without adverse effects on their health.
Research has determined that the single greatest risk factor for the future development of breast cancer is lifetime exposure of the breasts to estrogen. In which case, controlling the influence of estrogen on the breasts would be the single greatest method of primary breast cancer prevention.
Another benefit of this technology is its role in primary breast cancer prevention. Breast thermography has the added ability to observe the influence of hormones on the breasts. When hormone activity in the breast is dominated by estrogen, a specific type of infrared image is produced; thus, warning the patient of this condition. Once this is identified, a woman can take a significant pro-active role in prevention. With this information in hand, many doctors start their patients on a regimen of progesterone cream applied directly to the breasts. The progesterone enters
the breast tissue and counteracts the effects of estrogen. Using follow up infrared imaging, the treatment can be monitored and changed if necessary to meet the needs of each woman’s own unique physiology. Once the hormone balance has been restored to the breasts, a woman’s overall breast cancer risk is greatly reduced. The lifesaving implication of having this knowledge is incredible.
With the incidence of breast cancer steadily rising in women under 40, an effort to provide some form of accurate screening test is needed in this age group. Very early detection is especially important since breast cancers in younger women are commonly more aggressive resulting in lower survival rates. Current screening procedures have proven to be inaccurate in women in this age group due to breast tissue density and other factors. These issues, however, do not affect thermography. With this technology, women under 40 now have a safe and objective screening method that they can add to their regular breast health checkups.
Breast thermography is a high-tech non-invasive screening procedure designed to be used by women of all ages. The technology has been thoroughly researched for over 30 years and is FDA approved for use in breast cancer screening. Its unique ability to play a significant role in prevention is an impressive added benefit. Unfortunately, at this time there are too few qualified clinical thermography centers worldwide. However, with the increasing demand for breast thermography, recognized educational organizations, such as the International Academy of Clinical Thermology, are actively seeking personnel for training as certified technicians. It is their goal to provide women with greater access to this lifesaving technology.
Currently, no single screening procedure can detect 100% of all breast cancers. Thermography is designed to be used with mammography and not as a replacement. Studies show that when thermography is added to a woman’s regular breast health checkups (physical examination + mammography + thermography), 95% of all early stage cancers will be detected. This would give the vast majority of women who are diagnosed with this disease the reality of returning to a normal healthy life.
Should we continue to concentrate our efforts on procedures that can only detect an existing cancer, or should we be focusing on true screening methods that can warn of a pending problem far in advance? The number of women who die from this disease will continue relatively unchanged if nothing is done to provide them with a true early warning system. Breast thermography has the unique ability to warn most women far enough in advance to give them a fighting chance. Combined
with its ability to play a role in primary prevention, the lifesaving implications are incredible. The addition of this technology to every woman’s breast health care will make the greatest impact
on breast cancer mortality. With breast thermography, women of all ages are given hope and a true early detection edge in the battle against breast cancer.
About the authors-
William Hobbins, MD, a Fellow of the American Board of Surgeons and a board certified clinical thermologist, has been performing thermographic breast imaging for over 35 years. As an internationally recognized authority in this field, he has sat on multiple medical and thermographic boards, authored numerous articles, and has contributed a significant amount of research to the medical database using this technology. He currently practices in Madison Wisconsin and can be contacted at 608-273-4274.
William Amalu, DC, a Fellow of the International Academy of Clinical Thermology and a board certified clinical thermologist, has utilized thermography in practice for over 14 years. He is currently the President of the International Academy of Clinical Thermology and practices in Redwood City California. He can be contacted at 650-361-8908
www.breastthermography.com
http://www.stocktonfp.com/Articles/Beating%20Breast%20Cancer.pdf
William Hobbins, MD, FABS, DABCT, FIACT William Amalu, DC, DABCT, DIACT,
FIACT
This year, over 192,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the US and 1.2 million worldwide (Source: American Cancer Society and WHO). As shocking as these numbers are, even worse is the number of cancers that won’t be detected until it’s too late. The consensus among
experts is that early detection holds the key to survival. Although this is true, detection is not occurring early enough. Even though women are advised to begin having mammograms at 40, what they don’t know is that by the time most cancers are detected they have been growing for 10 years, and that 20% of all cancers can’t be seen by a mammogram. It is because of these factors, and others, that the number of women who die from this disease has gone relatively unchanged in the past 40 years.
A change from sole dependence upon procedures that only provide detection of existing cancers to technologies that reflect the early cancerous process itself would provide women with true screening.
If a significant change in breast cancer mortality is to be realized, we have to rethink what screening tests truly are. Are we currently providing “screening” or “detection”? A critical look at what we are
providing women must be made. If there were a method of very early detection, a procedure that would act as an early warning system, women would have the fighting chance they need to win this battle. What is needed is a biological risk marker. A biological risk marker would be able to turn these grave statistics around, as aggressive tissues would be detected before they were able to
invade the rest of the body. Women now have access to a unique technology that can give them this early warning; a procedure called Breast Thermography.
Breast thermography is an imaging technology that uses advanced computerized infrared camera systems to detect heat patterns in the breast. When a cancer is forming it develops its own blood supply in order to feed its accelerated growth (a process known as malignant angiogenesis). Even
more important, precancerous tissues can start this process well in advance of the cells becoming malignant. This increased Research has determined that the single greatest risk factor for the future development of breast cancer is lifetime exposure of the breasts to estrogen. In which case, controlling the influence of estrogen on the breasts would be the single greatest method of primary breast cancer prevention. Studies show that breast thermography has the ability to warn a woman that a cancer may be forming up to 10 years before any other test can detect it. blood supply causes an abnormal heat pattern in the breast. Thermography can detect this abnormal heat pattern by scanning the breasts with a specialized infrared camera and analyzing the information using sophisticated computer programs under the guidance of a doctor who is board certified in the procedure. These abnormal heat patterns are among the earliest known signs of a forming cancer.
Studies show that this technology has the ability to warn a woman that a cancer may be forming up to 10 years before any other test can detect it.
An unprecedented level of early detection can be realized when thermography is added to a
woman’s regular breast health care. It has been found that an abnormal thermographic image is the single most important sign of high risk for developing breast cancer, 10 times more significant than a first order family history of the disease. This gives breast thermography not only the ability to detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage, but to also act as a biological marker warning a woman about her own unique level of future risk for breast cancer.
Women who undergo the test find it to be fairly uneventful, since the procedure uses no radiation or contact with the breasts. Women with dense breasts, implants, and women who are pregnant or nursing can be imaged without any harm or reduction in the accuracy of the test. Normal images, show evenly cool inactive breasts (dark colors represent cold areas). Abnormal images, as seen on the right, show highly active blood vessels giving off heat in one breast. Since the procedure does not pose any harm to the patient, women who are at higher risk can be monitored closely without adverse effects on their health.
Research has determined that the single greatest risk factor for the future development of breast cancer is lifetime exposure of the breasts to estrogen. In which case, controlling the influence of estrogen on the breasts would be the single greatest method of primary breast cancer prevention.
Another benefit of this technology is its role in primary breast cancer prevention. Breast thermography has the added ability to observe the influence of hormones on the breasts. When hormone activity in the breast is dominated by estrogen, a specific type of infrared image is produced; thus, warning the patient of this condition. Once this is identified, a woman can take a significant pro-active role in prevention. With this information in hand, many doctors start their patients on a regimen of progesterone cream applied directly to the breasts. The progesterone enters
the breast tissue and counteracts the effects of estrogen. Using follow up infrared imaging, the treatment can be monitored and changed if necessary to meet the needs of each woman’s own unique physiology. Once the hormone balance has been restored to the breasts, a woman’s overall breast cancer risk is greatly reduced. The lifesaving implication of having this knowledge is incredible.
With the incidence of breast cancer steadily rising in women under 40, an effort to provide some form of accurate screening test is needed in this age group. Very early detection is especially important since breast cancers in younger women are commonly more aggressive resulting in lower survival rates. Current screening procedures have proven to be inaccurate in women in this age group due to breast tissue density and other factors. These issues, however, do not affect thermography. With this technology, women under 40 now have a safe and objective screening method that they can add to their regular breast health checkups.
Breast thermography is a high-tech non-invasive screening procedure designed to be used by women of all ages. The technology has been thoroughly researched for over 30 years and is FDA approved for use in breast cancer screening. Its unique ability to play a significant role in prevention is an impressive added benefit. Unfortunately, at this time there are too few qualified clinical thermography centers worldwide. However, with the increasing demand for breast thermography, recognized educational organizations, such as the International Academy of Clinical Thermology, are actively seeking personnel for training as certified technicians. It is their goal to provide women with greater access to this lifesaving technology.
Currently, no single screening procedure can detect 100% of all breast cancers. Thermography is designed to be used with mammography and not as a replacement. Studies show that when thermography is added to a woman’s regular breast health checkups (physical examination + mammography + thermography), 95% of all early stage cancers will be detected. This would give the vast majority of women who are diagnosed with this disease the reality of returning to a normal healthy life.
Should we continue to concentrate our efforts on procedures that can only detect an existing cancer, or should we be focusing on true screening methods that can warn of a pending problem far in advance? The number of women who die from this disease will continue relatively unchanged if nothing is done to provide them with a true early warning system. Breast thermography has the unique ability to warn most women far enough in advance to give them a fighting chance. Combined
with its ability to play a role in primary prevention, the lifesaving implications are incredible. The addition of this technology to every woman’s breast health care will make the greatest impact
on breast cancer mortality. With breast thermography, women of all ages are given hope and a true early detection edge in the battle against breast cancer.
About the authors-
William Hobbins, MD, a Fellow of the American Board of Surgeons and a board certified clinical thermologist, has been performing thermographic breast imaging for over 35 years. As an internationally recognized authority in this field, he has sat on multiple medical and thermographic boards, authored numerous articles, and has contributed a significant amount of research to the medical database using this technology. He currently practices in Madison Wisconsin and can be contacted at 608-273-4274.
William Amalu, DC, a Fellow of the International Academy of Clinical Thermology and a board certified clinical thermologist, has utilized thermography in practice for over 14 years. He is currently the President of the International Academy of Clinical Thermology and practices in Redwood City California. He can be contacted at 650-361-8908
www.breastthermography.com
http://www.stocktonfp.com/Articles/Beating%20Breast%20Cancer.pdf
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Quantitative assessment of tumor vasculature and response to therapy in kaposi's sarcoma using functional noninvasive imaging.
Quantitative assessment of tumor vasculature and response to therapy in kaposi's sarcoma using functional noninvasive imaging.
Hassan M, Little RF, Vogel A, Aleman K, Wyvill K, Yarchoan R, Gandjbakhche AH. Source Laboratory of Integrative and Medical Biophysics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. hassanm@mail.nih.gov
Abstract
Two noninvasive methods, thermography and laser Doppler imaging (LDI), were assessed for their ability to quantitatively assess parameters of vascularity in lesions of HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Thermography and LDI images of a representative KS lesion were recorded in 16 patients and compared to normal skin either adjacent to the lesion or on the contralateral side. Eleven of the 16 patients had greater than 0.5 degrees C increased temperature and 12 of the 16 patients had increased flux (measured by LDI) as compared to normal skin. There was a strong correlation between these two parameters (R = 0.81, p < 0.001). In ten patients, measurements were obtained prior to therapy and after receiving a regimen of liposomal doxorubicin and interleukin-12. After 18 weeks of therapy, temperature and blood flow of the lesions were significantly reduced from the baseline (p = 0.004 and 0.002 respectively). These techniques hold promise to assess physiologic parameters in KS lesions and their changes with therapy.
PMID: 15453810 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Hassan M, Little RF, Vogel A, Aleman K, Wyvill K, Yarchoan R, Gandjbakhche AH. Source Laboratory of Integrative and Medical Biophysics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. hassanm@mail.nih.gov
Abstract
Two noninvasive methods, thermography and laser Doppler imaging (LDI), were assessed for their ability to quantitatively assess parameters of vascularity in lesions of HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Thermography and LDI images of a representative KS lesion were recorded in 16 patients and compared to normal skin either adjacent to the lesion or on the contralateral side. Eleven of the 16 patients had greater than 0.5 degrees C increased temperature and 12 of the 16 patients had increased flux (measured by LDI) as compared to normal skin. There was a strong correlation between these two parameters (R = 0.81, p < 0.001). In ten patients, measurements were obtained prior to therapy and after receiving a regimen of liposomal doxorubicin and interleukin-12. After 18 weeks of therapy, temperature and blood flow of the lesions were significantly reduced from the baseline (p = 0.004 and 0.002 respectively). These techniques hold promise to assess physiologic parameters in KS lesions and their changes with therapy.
PMID: 15453810 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Monday, September 21, 2015
Mammography (anatomical) and Thermography (physiological) A more effective screening combination for Early Detection?
Mammography (anatomical) and Thermography (physiological) A more effective screening combination for Early Detection?
• Information Source: www.breastthermography.com
EARLY DETECTION MEANS LIFE
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and the risk increases with age (1).
Risk is also higher in women whose close relatives have had the disease. Women without
children, and those who have had their first child after age 30, also seem to be at higher
risk. However, every woman is at risk of developing breast cancer. Current research
indicates that 1 in every 8 women in the US will get breast cancer in their lifetime (1).
Studies show an increase in survival rate when breast thermography and
mammography are used together(3).
DII’s ability to detect thermal signs that may suggest a pre-cancerous state of the breast,
or signs of cancer at an extremely early stage, lies in its unique capability of monitoring the
temperature variations produced by the earliest changes in tissue physiology (function)
(3,6,7,8,9). However, DII does not have the ability to pinpoint the location of a tumor nor can it
detect 100% of all cancers. Consequently, Digital Infrared Imaging’s role is in addition (an
adjunct) to mammography and physical examination, not in lieu of. DII does not replace
mammography and mammography does not replace DII, the tests complement each other.
Since it has been determined that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer, we must use every
means possible to detect cancers when there is the greatest chance for survival. Proper use
of breast self-exams, physician exams, DII, and mammography together provide the
earliest detection system available to date (3,7,8,9). If treated in the earliest stages, cure rates
greater than 95% are possible (3,6).
REFERENCES
1. American Cancer Society – Breast Cancer Guidelines and Statistics, 1999-2005
2. I. Nyirjesy, M.D. et al; Clinical Evaluation, Mammography and Thermography in the Diagnosis of Breast Carcinoma. Thermology, 1986; 1: 170-173.
3. M. Gautherie, Ph.D.; Thermobiological Assessment of Benign and Malignant Breast Diseases. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol., 1983; V 147, No. 8: 861-869.
4. C. Gros, M.D., M. Gautherie, Ph.D.; Breast Thermography and Cancer Risk Prediction. Cancer, 1980; V 45, No. 1: 51-56.
5. P. Haehnel, M.D., M. Gautherie, Ph.D. et al; Long-Term Assessment of Breast Cancer Risk by Thermal Imaging. In: Biomedical Thermology, 1980; 279-301.
6. P. Gamigami, M.D.; Atlas of Mammography: New Early Signs in Breast Cancer. Blackwell Science, 1996.
7. J. Keyserlingk, M.D.; Time to Reassess the Value of Infrared Breast Imaging? Oncology News Int., 1997; V 6, No. 9.
8. P.Ahlgren, M.D., E. Yu, M.D., J. Keyserlingk, M.D.; Is it Time to Reassess the Value of Infrared Breast Imaging? Primary Care & Cancer (NCI), 1998; V 18, No. 2.
9. N. Belliveau, M.D., J. Keyserlingk, M.D. et al ; Infrared Imaging of the Breast: Initial Reappraisal Using High-Resolution Digital Technology in 100 Successive Cases of Stage I and II Breast Cancer. Breast Journal, 1998; V 4, No. 4
• Information Source: www.breastthermography.com
EARLY DETECTION MEANS LIFE
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and the risk increases with age (1).
Risk is also higher in women whose close relatives have had the disease. Women without
children, and those who have had their first child after age 30, also seem to be at higher
risk. However, every woman is at risk of developing breast cancer. Current research
indicates that 1 in every 8 women in the US will get breast cancer in their lifetime (1).
Studies show an increase in survival rate when breast thermography and
mammography are used together(3).
DII’s ability to detect thermal signs that may suggest a pre-cancerous state of the breast,
or signs of cancer at an extremely early stage, lies in its unique capability of monitoring the
temperature variations produced by the earliest changes in tissue physiology (function)
(3,6,7,8,9). However, DII does not have the ability to pinpoint the location of a tumor nor can it
detect 100% of all cancers. Consequently, Digital Infrared Imaging’s role is in addition (an
adjunct) to mammography and physical examination, not in lieu of. DII does not replace
mammography and mammography does not replace DII, the tests complement each other.
Since it has been determined that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer, we must use every
means possible to detect cancers when there is the greatest chance for survival. Proper use
of breast self-exams, physician exams, DII, and mammography together provide the
earliest detection system available to date (3,7,8,9). If treated in the earliest stages, cure rates
greater than 95% are possible (3,6).
REFERENCES
1. American Cancer Society – Breast Cancer Guidelines and Statistics, 1999-2005
2. I. Nyirjesy, M.D. et al; Clinical Evaluation, Mammography and Thermography in the Diagnosis of Breast Carcinoma. Thermology, 1986; 1: 170-173.
3. M. Gautherie, Ph.D.; Thermobiological Assessment of Benign and Malignant Breast Diseases. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol., 1983; V 147, No. 8: 861-869.
4. C. Gros, M.D., M. Gautherie, Ph.D.; Breast Thermography and Cancer Risk Prediction. Cancer, 1980; V 45, No. 1: 51-56.
5. P. Haehnel, M.D., M. Gautherie, Ph.D. et al; Long-Term Assessment of Breast Cancer Risk by Thermal Imaging. In: Biomedical Thermology, 1980; 279-301.
6. P. Gamigami, M.D.; Atlas of Mammography: New Early Signs in Breast Cancer. Blackwell Science, 1996.
7. J. Keyserlingk, M.D.; Time to Reassess the Value of Infrared Breast Imaging? Oncology News Int., 1997; V 6, No. 9.
8. P.Ahlgren, M.D., E. Yu, M.D., J. Keyserlingk, M.D.; Is it Time to Reassess the Value of Infrared Breast Imaging? Primary Care & Cancer (NCI), 1998; V 18, No. 2.
9. N. Belliveau, M.D., J. Keyserlingk, M.D. et al ; Infrared Imaging of the Breast: Initial Reappraisal Using High-Resolution Digital Technology in 100 Successive Cases of Stage I and II Breast Cancer. Breast Journal, 1998; V 4, No. 4
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Application of thermography in dentistry--visualization of temperature distribution on oral tissues.
Application
of thermography in dentistry--visualization of temperature distribution
on oral tissues.
Komoriyama
M, Nomoto R, Tanaka R, Hosoya N, Gomi K, Iino F, Yashima A, Takayama Y, Tsuruta
M,
Tokiwa H,
Kawasaki K, Arai T, Hosoi T, Hirashita A, Hirano S.; Department of Dental
Engineering,
Tsurumi
University School of Dental Medicine, 2-1-3 Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama
230-8501, Japan.
The purpose of this study
was to devise and propose appropriate conditions for the photographing of
thermal images in the oral
cavity and to evaluate which thermography techniques can be applied to
dentistry by evaluating the
differences in temperature among oral tissues. Thermal images of oral cavities
of 20 volunteers in normal
oral condition were taken according to the guidelines of the Japanese Society
of Thermography, with five
added items for oral observation. The use of a mirror made it possible to take
thermal images of the
posterior portion or palate. Teeth, free gingiva, attached gingiva and alveolar
mucosa were identified on
thermal images. There were differences in temperature between teeth, free
gingiva, attached gingiva
and alveolar mucosa. These were nearly in agreement with the anatomical
view. Thermography need
no longer be restricted to the anterior portion using a mirror, and can
now be applied to the dental region.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Intraoperative monitoring of skin temperature changes of hands before, during, and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy: using infrared thermography and thermometer for measurement.
Intraoperative monitoring of skin temperature changes of hands before, during, and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy: using infrared thermography and thermometer for measurement.
Chuang TY, Yen YS, Chiu JW, Chan RC, Chiang SC, Hsiao MP, Lee LS. Source Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei; National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of the second and third thoracic spinal segments in the preganglionic sympathetic innervation of the hand, and to compare skin temperature changes between thenar and other parts of palm before, during, and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
DESIGN: Twelve patients, four women and eight men, with severe palmar hyperhydrosis underwent endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The T3 segment was identified and dissected first, followed by T2 segment extirpation. Skin temperature changes of the hand were assessed by thermograph and thermometer simultaneously before, during, and after sympathectomy. Sympathetic skin responses were undertaken 1 day preoperatively and followed up 6 months postoperatively.
SETTING: An electrophysiological laboratory and operating room in a national medical center.
SUBJECTS: Twelve patients who sustained a profound degree of palmar hyperhydrosis.
INTERVENTIONS: Skin temperature differences of the hands were measured by infrared thermograph and thermometer before, during, and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Group's average temperature differences, and sympathetic skin response (all or none response).
RESULTS: The T2 spinal segment is thought to be the main source of sympathetic outflow to the sweat glands of the hand. The group's average temperature changes were significantly higher at the 2nd through 5th fingers' tips than at the thenar after completion of T2 extirpation (p < .005).
CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative monitoring of palmar skin temperature, as judiciously measured by infrared thermograph, yields useful information about the locations of the sympathetic segments and confirmation of their entire ablation by endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
Chuang TY, Yen YS, Chiu JW, Chan RC, Chiang SC, Hsiao MP, Lee LS. Source Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei; National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of the second and third thoracic spinal segments in the preganglionic sympathetic innervation of the hand, and to compare skin temperature changes between thenar and other parts of palm before, during, and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
DESIGN: Twelve patients, four women and eight men, with severe palmar hyperhydrosis underwent endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The T3 segment was identified and dissected first, followed by T2 segment extirpation. Skin temperature changes of the hand were assessed by thermograph and thermometer simultaneously before, during, and after sympathectomy. Sympathetic skin responses were undertaken 1 day preoperatively and followed up 6 months postoperatively.
SETTING: An electrophysiological laboratory and operating room in a national medical center.
SUBJECTS: Twelve patients who sustained a profound degree of palmar hyperhydrosis.
INTERVENTIONS: Skin temperature differences of the hands were measured by infrared thermograph and thermometer before, during, and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Group's average temperature differences, and sympathetic skin response (all or none response).
RESULTS: The T2 spinal segment is thought to be the main source of sympathetic outflow to the sweat glands of the hand. The group's average temperature changes were significantly higher at the 2nd through 5th fingers' tips than at the thenar after completion of T2 extirpation (p < .005).
CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative monitoring of palmar skin temperature, as judiciously measured by infrared thermograph, yields useful information about the locations of the sympathetic segments and confirmation of their entire ablation by endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
New breast cancer screening guidelines released
New breast cancer screening guidelines released
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care issues updated guidelines
New breast cancer screening guidelines for women at average risk of breast cancer, published in CMAJ(Canadian Medical Association Journal), recommend no routine mammography screening for women aged 40–49 and extend the screening interval from every 2 years, which is current
clinical practice, to every 2 to 3 years for women aged 50–74. The guidelines also recommend against routine clinical breast exam and breast self-examination in asymptomatic women.
The guidelines, aimed at physicians and policy-makers, provide recommendations for mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), breast self-exams and clinical breast exams by clinicians. They target average-risk women in three age groups (40–49, 50–69 and 70–74 years) who have not had breast cancer and do not have a family history of breast cancer in a mother, sister or daughter.
“As the Guideline on Breast Cancer Screening was last updated in 2001 and breast cancer screening has since become a subject for discussion amongst doctors and patients, the revitalized Canadian Task Force selected breast cancer screening as the topic for its first guideline,” said Dr. Marcello Tonelli, Chair of the Task Force on Preventive Health Care and Associate Professor at the University of Alberta, Department of Medicine, in Edmonton, Alberta. "We intend that this Guideline, which
reflects the latest scientific evidence in breast cancer screening, be used to guide physicians and their patients regarding the optimum use of mammograms and breast examination.”
According to the guideline, outcomes of breast cancer screening such as tumor detection and mortality must be put into context of the harms and costs of false–positive tests, over-diagnosis and over-treatment. False–positive results can have a significant impact on the emotional well-being of patients and families. They can cause lifestyle disruptions and result in costs to both patients and the health care system.
“Providing Canadians with guidelines that reflect the most current scientific evidence is our priority," said Dr. Tonelli. “We encourage every woman to discuss the risks and benefits of screening with their doctor before deciding on the best approach for them.”
Key recommendations:
No routine mammography for women aged 40-49 because the risk of cancer is low in this group while the risk of false–positive results and over-diagnosis and over-treatment is higher
Routine screening with mammography every two to three years for women aged 50-69
Routine screening with mammography every two to three years for women aged 70-74
No screening of average-risk women using MRI
No routine clinical breast exams or breast self-exam to screen for breast cancer.
“There was no evidence that screening with mammography reduces the risk of all-cause mortality,” state the authors. “Although screening might permit surgery for breast cancer at an earlier stage than diagnosis of clinically evident cancer (thus permitting the use of less invasive procedures for some women), available trial data suggest that the overall risk of mastectomy is significantly increased among recipients of screening compared with women who have not undergone screening.”
In addition to the full guidelines, one-page information pieces are available for both physicians and patients on the task force website: www.canadiantaskforce.ca
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care is an independent body of 14 primary care and prevention experts. The task force has been established by the Public Health Agency of Canada to develop clinical practice guidelines that support primary care providers in delivering preventive health care.
In a related commentary, Dr. Peter Gøtzsche, Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark, writes, “these guidelines are more balanced and more in accordance with the evidence than any previous recommendations.”
He states that evidence does not support mammography screening and argues that screening is ineffective and even harmful because diagnosis of cancers that would otherwise be undetected lead to life-shortening treatments and mastectomies.
“The main effect of screening is to produce patients with breast cancer from among healthy women who would have remained free of breast disease for the rest of their lives had they not undergone screening,” writes Dr. Gøtzsche.
“The best method we have to reduce the risk of breast cancer is to stop the screening program,” he concludes. “This could reduce the risk by one-third in the screened age group, as the level of overdiagnosis in countries with organized screening programs is about 50%.”
MEDIA NOTE: Please use the following public links after the embargo lift:
Research http://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.110334
Commentary http://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.111721
Media contact for guidelines:
David Rodier
Hill & Knowlton
(613) 786 9945
david.rodier@hillandknowlton.ca
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care issues updated guidelines
New breast cancer screening guidelines for women at average risk of breast cancer, published in CMAJ(Canadian Medical Association Journal), recommend no routine mammography screening for women aged 40–49 and extend the screening interval from every 2 years, which is current
clinical practice, to every 2 to 3 years for women aged 50–74. The guidelines also recommend against routine clinical breast exam and breast self-examination in asymptomatic women.
The guidelines, aimed at physicians and policy-makers, provide recommendations for mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), breast self-exams and clinical breast exams by clinicians. They target average-risk women in three age groups (40–49, 50–69 and 70–74 years) who have not had breast cancer and do not have a family history of breast cancer in a mother, sister or daughter.
“As the Guideline on Breast Cancer Screening was last updated in 2001 and breast cancer screening has since become a subject for discussion amongst doctors and patients, the revitalized Canadian Task Force selected breast cancer screening as the topic for its first guideline,” said Dr. Marcello Tonelli, Chair of the Task Force on Preventive Health Care and Associate Professor at the University of Alberta, Department of Medicine, in Edmonton, Alberta. "We intend that this Guideline, which
reflects the latest scientific evidence in breast cancer screening, be used to guide physicians and their patients regarding the optimum use of mammograms and breast examination.”
According to the guideline, outcomes of breast cancer screening such as tumor detection and mortality must be put into context of the harms and costs of false–positive tests, over-diagnosis and over-treatment. False–positive results can have a significant impact on the emotional well-being of patients and families. They can cause lifestyle disruptions and result in costs to both patients and the health care system.
“Providing Canadians with guidelines that reflect the most current scientific evidence is our priority," said Dr. Tonelli. “We encourage every woman to discuss the risks and benefits of screening with their doctor before deciding on the best approach for them.”
Key recommendations:
No routine mammography for women aged 40-49 because the risk of cancer is low in this group while the risk of false–positive results and over-diagnosis and over-treatment is higher
Routine screening with mammography every two to three years for women aged 50-69
Routine screening with mammography every two to three years for women aged 70-74
No screening of average-risk women using MRI
No routine clinical breast exams or breast self-exam to screen for breast cancer.
“There was no evidence that screening with mammography reduces the risk of all-cause mortality,” state the authors. “Although screening might permit surgery for breast cancer at an earlier stage than diagnosis of clinically evident cancer (thus permitting the use of less invasive procedures for some women), available trial data suggest that the overall risk of mastectomy is significantly increased among recipients of screening compared with women who have not undergone screening.”
In addition to the full guidelines, one-page information pieces are available for both physicians and patients on the task force website: www.canadiantaskforce.ca
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care is an independent body of 14 primary care and prevention experts. The task force has been established by the Public Health Agency of Canada to develop clinical practice guidelines that support primary care providers in delivering preventive health care.
In a related commentary, Dr. Peter Gøtzsche, Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark, writes, “these guidelines are more balanced and more in accordance with the evidence than any previous recommendations.”
He states that evidence does not support mammography screening and argues that screening is ineffective and even harmful because diagnosis of cancers that would otherwise be undetected lead to life-shortening treatments and mastectomies.
“The main effect of screening is to produce patients with breast cancer from among healthy women who would have remained free of breast disease for the rest of their lives had they not undergone screening,” writes Dr. Gøtzsche.
“The best method we have to reduce the risk of breast cancer is to stop the screening program,” he concludes. “This could reduce the risk by one-third in the screened age group, as the level of overdiagnosis in countries with organized screening programs is about 50%.”
MEDIA NOTE: Please use the following public links after the embargo lift:
Research http://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.110334
Commentary http://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.111721
Media contact for guidelines:
David Rodier
Hill & Knowlton
(613) 786 9945
david.rodier@hillandknowlton.ca
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
ADVANTAGES OF SPECTRON IR
ADVANTAGES OF SPECTRON IR
- Manufacturer of Spectron IR 640x480 infrared camera with superior Vanadium Oxide detector for increased camera sensitivity
- Authorized FLIR dealer. Providing the same camera line as many competitors
- Broadest range of medical infrared cameras available
- Offering 320x240 and 640x480 resolution cameras
- Broadest and safest FDA indications for use for any telethermographic system available with specific indications
- Active FDA registration since 2003
- Spectron IR 640x480 cameras offer best spatial resolution for accurate temperature differentiation of region comparison
- Spectron IR 640x480 cameras feature electronic focus – superior to autofocus
- Four system configurations to choose from providing flexibility to fit a variety of clinical settings (Entry, Basic, Workstation, & Wall mounted)
- Entry and Basic systems make for easy portable imaging application
- Entry and Basic systems set up quickly for imaging
- Workstation and Wall mounted systems designed for clinical and hospital use
- Workstation and Wall mounted systems feature remote controlled camera height adjustment for quicker image acquisition and less patient stress
- Workstation and Wall mounted systems provide ergonomics for clinician and provide high patient and referring doctor perception
- U.S. Patented Medical Imaging Workstation
- Spectron IR 640x480 cameras have the largest lens in the industry at 50 mm standard allowing more data to be captured
- Purchase options include cash, check, wire transfer, and financing
- Every system receives full professional analytical software
a user can grow with
- Multiple format viewing, data storage and data transfer
- Single keystroke commands for ease-of-use and efficiency
- Simple software layout for easy navigation
- Pre-loaded and customizable imaging sequences
- Free 1-year technical support with every purchase
- Free equipment training provided with any system purchased which can be revisited anytime within the first year at no charge
- Spectron IR cameras use heavy machined aluminum camera body for superior thermal stability
- Spectron IR 640x480 cameras feature a narrow temperature range specifically designed for human imaging achieving the best accuracy
- Open interpretation system allows interpreter choices for the user
- Switch interpreters at anytime, at no charge, for any reason
- Spectron IR only uses board certified interpreters (MD’s, DC’s, and DO’s)
- Un-biased interpretation. All interpreters are independent from Spectron IR
- File transfer for interpretation is encrypted complying with HIPPA regulations
- Included marketing materials and patient templates
- Superior customer service with screen share capabilities
- Real people when you call
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