Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Infrared imaging (IR) is a noninvasive technique that quantifies body surface temperature, producing a digital color image. IR has been used to study diseases in which skin temperature can reflect the presence of inflammation.
METHODS
This was an observational pilot study of eight patients envenomed by snakes, spiders, and scorpions. All patients were examined using a thermal camera.
RESULTS
In all cases, we obtained infrared images that corroborated clinical findings indicating localized effects of venom, specifically inflammation.
CONCLUSIONS
IR has potential for use as a research, diagnostic, and monitoring tool for localized effects of animal venoms.
Keywords:
Infrared thermography; Envenomation; Venomous animals