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Use of Infrared Thermography in Visualizing Erythema Migrans
Natalia I Brothers1, Alison Rebman1, Jonathan M Zenilman1
1Lyme Disease Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.
Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that visualizes heat patterns on the surface of the body. IRT measures deviations from baseline body temperature that correspond to areas of increased peripheral perfusion. The use of IRT in Lyme disease is novel. The present study presents three case examples and explores IRT as a tool for detecting and understanding the erythema migrans (EM) lesions in patients diagnosed with Lyme disease. Examination of these examples revealed these lesions as round or oval areas of increased heat and prominent venous drainage. IRT images are able to identify single and disseminated EM lesions. This study highlights the potential of IRT to improve EM identification.
Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that visualizes heat patterns on the surface of the body. IRT measures deviations from baseline body temperature that correspond to areas of increased peripheral perfusion. The use of IRT in Lyme disease is novel. The present study presents three case examples and explores IRT as a tool for detecting and understanding the erythema migrans (EM) lesions in patients diagnosed with Lyme disease. Examination of these examples revealed these lesions as round or oval areas of increased heat and prominent venous drainage. IRT images are able to identify single and disseminated EM lesions. This study highlights the potential of IRT to improve EM identification.
