Can Dual Infrared–Visual Thermography Provide a More Reliable Diagnosis of Perforator Veins and Reflux Severity?

Abstract

The accurate identification of perforator veins (PV) in asymptomatic veins that do not meet the criteria established by venous Doppler (VD) is a complex challenge, considered the gold standard in diagnosis, and is operator-dependent. This study explored the potential of dual infrared–visual thermography (IRVT) to identify PV in 99 patients aged 29 to 80 years. IRVT was conducted using a high-definition hyperspectral visual–infrared sensor. The temperature difference (ΔT) between maximum temperature (Tmax) and minimum temperature (Tmin) within the region of interest (ROI) served as an indicator for assessing vascular dysfunction severity. Comparative analysis was performed with VD results obtained using a Doppler ultrasound unit equipped with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. Significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) in ΔT (Tmax−Tmin) were observed among PV sites categorized by reflux severity: no reflux (ΔT = 1.2 °C), mild reflux (ΔT = 1.8 °C), moderate reflux (ΔT = 2.9 °C), and severe reflux (ΔT = 3.6 °C). This study concludes that IRVT effectively distinguishes varying degrees of vascular reflux severity. IRVT shows promise as a non-invasive, radiation-free tool to enhance PV identification, especially in challenging cases, potentially improving patient outcomes and healthcare management. Further research is required to validate and refine its diagnostic utility.

Keywords

• perforators veins
• reflux severity
• thermography
• vascular dysfunction
• venous doppler