Infrared thermographic imaging for the assessment of temperature asymmetries in reflex sympathetic dystrophy

In this on going study, we investigating the usefulness of thermographic patterns as a tool for evaluating reflex sympathetic dystrophy based on results from a clinical trial. Asymmetric thermal patterns and sympathetic responses on the pain side and contra lateral pain-free side after applying cold stimulations are observed. The thermal pattern on the painful side before entry into the drug or placebo treatment is warmer or cooler by at least 1/spl deg/C and spread over a large area. On the other hand, no remarkable difference is observed between the two sides in LDI blood velocity images. After entry into the drug, thermography shows temperatures on the painful site increase or decrease than the pain-free contra lateral side. In this article we present some cases in which thermography is used to track physiological conditions associated with chronic neuropathic pain.