Two-dimensional blood flow determinations in allergic reactions using laser Doppler scanning

The new technique of laser Doppler scanning (LDS) provides a 2-dimensional pattern of cutaneous microcirculation, which offers a visual image and can quantify the intensity and expansion of perfusion. With the help of this technique, we examined the microcirculatory pattern of Type IV reactions to recall antigens, which were applied using a test stamp (Multitest Merieux). The measurements were performed before application of the test stamp as well as 10 min, 24, 48 and 72 h afterwards. The inflammatory hyperemia was evaluated using LDS and unidimensional laser Doppler fluxmetry. The diameter of the inflammatory infiltrate was quantified by means of palpation, the thickness by means of high-resolution 20 MHz sonography. The clinically visible erythema was measured planimetrically. An unspecific hyperemia resulting from the trauma of the stamp revealed no evident infiltrate under sonography 10 min after the test application. Depending of the individual reaction, the mean flux and the expansion of the hyperemia were at their peak after 48 h. The flux values were at a maximum in the center of the inflammatory reaction and dropped continuously toward the periphery. The area of the hyperemia seen in the LDS image was significantly larger than the expansion of the erythema measured planimetrically, but there was a significant correlation. The perfusion correlated significantly with the infiltration diameter (24 h, 48 h, 72 h) and the infiltration thickness 48 h after testing. All in all, it was possible to measure directly and without touching the skin and to quantify a subclinical pattern of skin perfusion as a response to and inflammatory reaction on a 2-dimensional display.