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Quantification of thermal asymmetry. Part 1: Normal values and reproducibility
S Uematsu1, D H Edwin, W R Jankel
1Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Thermography can evaluate nerve injury by measuring temperature differences. A new computer method reduces subjectivity, establishing normal thermal asymmetry (delta T) values for objective nerve function assessment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Thermography assesses nerve injury via temperature asymmetries.
- Subjectivity in interpreting thermographic images is a significant challenge.
- Objective methods are needed to quantify thermal differences for clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a computer-calculated method for objective thermographic data collection.
- To establish comprehensive normative data for thermal asymmetry (delta T) in humans.
- To provide a quantifiable standard for assessing sympathetic nerve function.
Main Methods:
- Developed a computer-calculated method to eliminate subjective bias in thermographic data collection.
- Collected normative data on thermal asymmetry (delta T) from 90 asymptomatic individuals across 40 matched body regions.
- Performed short- and long-term follow-up measurements over 5 years to ensure reproducibility.
Main Results:
- Established mean delta T values for various body regions (e.g., forehead: 0.18°C, leg: 0.27°C, foot: 0.38°C).
- Demonstrated high reproducibility of delta T measurements over time.
- Confirmed that thermal asymmetry is typically very small in normal individuals.
Conclusions:
- The computer-calculated method provides objective thermographic data, overcoming previous subjectivity.
- The presented normative delta T values serve as a reliable standard for assessing sympathetic nerve function.
- Quantifiable thermal asymmetry is a valid indicator of nerve dysfunction.