Infrared Thermography as a Diagnostic Tool for Peripheral Artery Disease

OBJECTIVE The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is increasing worldwide. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is considered the criterion standard of noninvasive screening, but it does have limitations. The present study aimed to clarify the clinical diagnostic potential of infrared thermography (IRT) compared with conventional noninvasive measurements for PAD. METHODS Patients were divided into two groups: the healthy control group (n = 93) and the PAD group (n = 164). Control participants had an ABI 0.9 to 1.4 and no former PAD diagnosis. The PAD group was divided into three subgroups based on ABI classifications and two subgroups based on toe pressure measurements. Investigators performed IRT using a standardized protocol with temperature measurements at five different foot sites. MAIN RESULTS Differences in skin temperatures between feet were greater (P
Source: Advances in Skin and Wound Care - Category: Dermatology Tags: ORIGINAL INVESTIGATIONS Source Type: research