Infrared thermography: a rapid and accurate technique to detect feline aortic thromboembolism

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of infrared thermography in cats with acute pelvic paralysis to differentiate feline aortic thromboembolism (FATE) from non-ischaemic conditions. Methods Thermographic images were prospectively obtained at admission from cats presented for acute bilateral pelvic paralysis. Based on the final diagnosis, cats were divided into a FATE and a control group (ischaemic and non-ischaemic related pelvic paralysis, respectively). The maximum (T_max), minimum (T_min) and average (T_av) temperatures were determined for each of the four limbs within a hand-drawn region of interest on the dorsal limb extremity. Temperature differences between the forelimb (non-affected) and hindlimb (affected) with the highest temperature (ΔT), with the lowest temperature (δT) and from the right and left side (RightΔT and LeftΔT, respectively) were calculated. Results The FATE and control groups included 10 and six cats, respectively. In the FATE group, right hindlimb mean T_max (23.6°C ± 1.9), left hindlimb mean T_max (23.6°C ± 2.2) and mean T_av (22.7°C ± 2.2) were significantly lower than in the control group (26.6°C ± 3.5 [ P = 0.042]; 26.6°C ± 2.4°C [ P = 0.024] and 25.7°C ± 2.0 [ P = 0.020], respectively). ΔT, δT, RightΔT and LeftΔT were significantly higher in the FATE group than in the control group. A cut-off value of 2.4°C for RightΔT_max and LeftΔT_max allowed discrimination between the FATE and control groups with a sensitivity of 80% and 90%, respectively, a specificity of 100% for both, a positive predictive value of 100% for both, and a negative predictive value of 75% and 86%, respectively. Conclusions and relevance A minimal difference of 2.4°C between ipsilateral affected and non-affected limbs has an excellent specificity and high sensitivity for FATE diagnosis. Infrared thermography seems to be a promising, useful, easy, non-invasive and rapid method for detecting aortic thromboembolism in cats, particularly in emergency situations.