Infrared thermography imaging as a diagnostic tool in the case of acute lower limb ischemia

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the world. It is a multifocal disease that leads to plaque formation and subsequent ischemia in the arteries of the body. Atherosclerotic obstructive peripheral artery disease causes disturbance of blood delivery to the tissues, which can be translated as temperature decrease on the skin surface, making surface temperature an important indicator of vascular health. Even though there are many classical diagnostic tools for assessing patients with peripheral vascular dysfunction, they have many limitations. On the other hand, infrared thermography imaging presents a noninvasive, relatively cheap, quick and reliable method that does not require direct doctor-to-patient contact. It provides a real time screening information of the tissue perfusion, based on the skin surface temperature. In this article, we present a case of a patient with type B aortic dissection, treated with an endovascular approach. A postprocedural closure device complication led to an acute left lower limb ischemia during the night, which was promptly diagnosed with the help of an onsite high-resolution infrared thermography optimized by specialized AI based software performed by the physician on duty followed by remote evaluation by the operator. The obstruction was treated immediately with successful endovascular recanalization and flow restoration and again evaluated with the thermographic camera confirming excellent tissue vascular result. Infrared thermography imaging can be a time-saving method for physicians, while being a very convenient method for the patient and that is why we advocate on the usage of specialized software supported high resolution thermography imaging as a supplementary diagnostic modality for patients with peripheral artery disease.

Keywords

• ischemia
• peripheral artery disease
• atheroscleros