Usefulness of digital infrared thermography video using FLIR T560 in detecting hypothermia associated with complex regional pain syndrome type I: A CARE-compliant case report.

RATIONALE

Because the diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) majorly relies on patients' subjective clinical complaints, CRPS can be overdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, or missed entirely in clinical practice. CRPS is related to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which causes temperature changes in patients' skin. This case report evaluates the effectiveness of the FLIR T560 portable thermal imaging camera in detecting hypothermia associated with CRPS type I, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We present a 25-year-old female with pain and limited passive range of motion in all parts of her hands bilaterally for 7 months. The bilateral hand pain was aggravated by active and passive range of motion. Also, the patient had bilateral hyperesthesia and allodynia of her entire hands, and skin atrophy and hypohidrosis were observed on both hands. The skin color of both hands was relatively cyanotic. Stiffness was checked during the passive range of motion of her bilateral fingers. Additionally, mild motor weakness was checked on the finger flexor and extensor bilaterally.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed with CRPS type I. The FLIR T560 was used to record thermal images in an insulated room, revealing a lower surface temperature (approximately 1°C-2°C difference), shown as less bright, on her bilateral hands and forearms compared with a normal subject.

INTERVENTIONS

We administered Pregabalin 50 mg oral medication twice daily and the contrast bath.

OUTCOMES

At 1-month-follow up, about 50% of her pain was reduced.

LESSONS

We demonstrate that the FLIR T560 thermal imaging camera can show hypothermia on the hands bilaterally in CRPS type I, which can be helpful for the accurate diagnosis of CRPS. The FLIR T560 camera is a portable and convenient tool that may support the diagnosis of CRPS.