The novel use of infrared thermal imaging as an adjunct for the management of haemodialysis access induced distal ischaemia.
BACKGROUND
Haemodialysis access-induced distal ischaemia (HAIDI) whilst unusual may be a difficult complication to diagnose and manage particularly in patients with small vessel disease.Infrared thermal imaging (IRTI) has been used for several decades to monitor cutaneous temperature distribution and has been used in medical applications. The use of IRTI in HAIDI is attractive as it can be used as a non-invasive measure of tissue perfusion.


RESULTS
To assess the applicability of IRTI in HAIDI, three cases were assessed and are described. IRTI was well tolerated and provided useful clinical information in all three cases, which was confirmed with further studies.


CONCLUSIONS
This small case series reports on the successful use of infrared thermal imaging in the diagnosis and management of possible HAIDI and may support wider study and use.
Department of Renal Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham - UK.
Julien
J
Al Shakarchi
Department of Renal Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham - UK.
Steve
S
Mellor
Department of Renal Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham - UK.
Nicholas
N
Inston
D000368:Aged; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055420:Perfusion Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013817:Thermography; D016896:Treatment Outcome