Use of Infrared Thermography in Diagnosing Necrotizing Fasciitis in the Emergency Department: A Case Study.

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.

LEARNING POINTS: Necrotizing fasciitis is a difficult diagnosis to make.Thermal imaging can visualize skin temperature and thus show increased temperature and extent.Rapid identification of necrotizing fasciitis is vital for patient survival.