Transcript medical infrared thermography
MEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
IMMUNOLOGY
© EDP Srl, 2004 http://www.edpsrl.com
MEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
Immunology
One of the most important applications of infrared thermography in clinical medicine is based on the possibility to detect signs of the secondary T cell immunodeficiency syndrome. It’s well-known that this syndrome is the cause of many diseases and pathological conditions, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, chronic persistent infections, preselination.
There are a lot of laboratory tests to detect the immunodeficiency syndrome, but all of them are invasive and expensive, so they can not be applied for mass screening procedures. Infrared thermography is a very suitable method, because it’s fast, reliable, non-contact and absolutely safe for patient and doctor. Infrared thermography has no limitations and can be successfully applied in babies, children and pregnant women.
© EDP Srl, 2004 http://www.edpsrl.com
MEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
Immunodeficiency Syndrome
The main thermographic sign of the T-cell immunodeficiency syndrome is the detection of a cold area on the upper part of the sternum – above the location of the thymus gland. In normal condition this area is isothermic, but in case of immunodeficiency this cold area has the temperature gradient higher than 0,8 °C.
© EDP Srl, 2004 http://www.edpsrl.com
Cold area above the thymus gland in immunodeficiency syndrome.
MEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Shape and temperature gradient of this cold area depend on the individual specifity of the patient and severity of the immunodeficiency condition.
Two cold areas on the upper part of the sternum.
© EDP Srl, 2004 http://www.edpsrl.com
Single cold area with T 2,5 °C.
Large cold area.
MEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Temperature gradient and shape of the cold area change along the course of treatment. This allows to apply infrared thermography as a very sensitive and cheap control method.
Chest thermogram before (left) and after (right) the acupuncture treatment of the secondary immunodeficiency syndrome. In this case, the acupuncture points located on the chest were not used.
© EDP Srl, 2004 http://www.edpsrl.com
MEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
Immunodeficiency Syndrome
The second thermographic symptom of immunodeficiency is the detection of cold areas on the inner side of the feet – above the location of 3 rd and 4 th acupoints of the Spleen Channel.
Cold area above the 3 rd the Spleen Channel.
acupoint of Cold area above the 4 th acupoint of the Spleen Channel (isotherm post processing function is applied).
© EDP Srl, 2004 http://www.edpsrl.com
MEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
Enlarging of the Thymus
The enlarging of the thymus gland (thymomegalia) is also a cause of secondary immunodeficiency. This condition takes place in children and often is the basis of chronic infections and allergic processes.
In thermogram we can see hot points on the sternum above the thymus gland.
Single hot point above the thymus gland.
Multiple hot area above the thymus gland.
© EDP Srl, 2004 http://www.edpsrl.com