Thermal imaging cameras for rheumatism-diagnosis?

A new study suggests that thermography could be a diagnosis tool for rheumatoid Arthritis. The thermal imaging showed that the temperature of the fingers and the palms of the hands, even without an acute inflammation of the synovial membrane in rheumatic patients was higher than in Healthy was.

The results of the 82 participants study carried out in "Scientific Reports" showed that both the palms and the finger temperature to rise in patients with rheumatoid Arthritis significantly. The temperature of the palms amounted to in Healthy on average 29,37 °C, and the Finger 27,16 °C. In the case of rheumatic patients were the palms, in contrast, an average of 31.4 °C warm and the fingers 30,22 °C. In the ultrasound were between Healthy and rheumatic patients, no differences &ndash been observed; this method had previously been excluded, patients suffering from acute inflammation of the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: diagnosis is not always easy

The study authors believe that the initial inflammatory process can cause in the joints irreversible thermal changes, which remain after resolution of disease activity persist. "We will need further studies to belegen&quot this;, Dr Alfred Gatt, University of Malta, says.

This is the first study in the thermographic patterns of patients with rheumatoid Arthritis were compared with those of Healthy. Rheumatoid Arthritis is sometimes difficult to diagnose, timely detection allows for a consistent treatment and contributes to deformities, disabilities and cardiovascular problems can be avoided.

ZOU