Computerized thermography. The emergence of a new diagnostic imaging modality

Medical thermology is a relatively new diagnostic imaging modality that is based on thermography and has just recently gained acceptance by the medical community at large. In fact, the first comprehensive book on thermology appeared in press just a few months ago (2). Thermography is the recording and displaying of images that depict the distribution of temperature on the skin surface of patients. Thermology is the systematic interpretation of clinical thermograms. The leading thermographic technique is now based on remote infrared sensing. using digitizing techniques and microcomputers, the images can be processed to facilitate better thermological interpretation. This paper presents a brief account of the evolvement of this imaging modality, its current technology and medical uses, and its potential to become a major diagnostic tool in a large number of clinical situations. Finally, we will attempt to assess the overall role and place of thermology in medicine while also pointing out the need for fundamental thermological research to support the current empirical diagnostic applications.