• Mikkel Brabrand
  Department of Emergency Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense C
• Jan Dahlin
  Department of Emergency Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense C
• Marianne Fløjstrup
  Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Odense University Hospital, Odense C
• Stine Thorhauge Zwisler
  Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Odense University Hospital, Odense C
• Jens Michelsen
  Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Odense University Hospital, Odense C
• Louise Gramstrup Nielsen
  Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of South West Jutland
• Jens Ahm Sørensen
  Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense C

Keywords

Necrotizing fasciitis

Abstract

Objective: Necrotizing fasciitis is a difficult diagnosis with a very high mortality. However, thermal imaging has the potential to identify increasing skin temperature and rapid progression.

Materials and methods: We used repeat photographs taken with a thermal camera to visualize changes in skin temperature over time.

Results: An unstable male patient presented at the emergency department. Thermal imaging showed increased skin temperature of his left foot with a rapid increase and progression in extent within 1 hour. Necrotizing fasciitis was suspected and later confirmed.

Conclusions: We believe thermal imaging could be an important adjunct for the diagnosis of suspected necrotizing fasciitis.

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Figure 1a, conventional and thermographic images at arrival. At this time, the hottest area at the ankle was 35°C. downloads: 0
Figure 1b, conventional and thermographic images after 1 hour. At this time, the hottest area at the ankle was 37°C, showing a distal decrease and proximal increase in surface temperature. downloads: 0

Published: 2017-10-18
Issue: Vol. 4 No. 10 (view)