DITI is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that allows the examiner to visualize and quantify changes in skin surface temperature. An infrared scanning device is used to convert infrared radiation emitted from the skin surface into electrical impulses that are visualized in colour on a monitor. This visual image graphically maps the body temperature and is referred to as a thermogram. The spectrum of colours indicate an increase or decrease in the amount of infrared radiation being emitted from the body surface. Since there is a high degree of thermal symmetry in the normal body, subtle abnormal temperature asymmetry’s can be easily identified.

DITI's major clinical value is in its high sensitivity to pathology in the vascular, muscular, neural and skeletal systems and as such can contribute to the pathogenesis and diagnosis made by the clinician.

DITI has been used extensively in human medicine in the U.S.A., Europe and Asia for the past 20 years. Until now, cumbersome equipment has hampered its diagnostic and economic viability. Current state of the art PC based Infrared technology designed specifically for clinical application has changed all this.

   Elevated C-Reactive Protein -
   an early risk indication for heart  
   disease		    Advanced infection in mitral
   valve, detected with thermal
   imaging		    Autonomic patterns of hypo-
   thermia over T2 can be used to
   monitor immune system
   disfunction
  
   RSD / CRPS  and all sympathetic
   pain syndromes are easily
   detected		    The denser tissue of a tumor
   displaces the normally perfuse
   surrounding tissue causing
   hypothermic asymmetry
 		    The muscular and myofascial
   inflammation of Firbomyalgia can
   be objectively and accurately
   documented and monitored
   Difficult to diagnose TMJ
   syndromes can be assessed to
   show the combined effects of
   inflammation as well as
   neurological dysfunction
   		   Visceral dysfunction like this
   diverticulitis can be localised for
   either further investigation or
   treatment		    Autonomic patterns are normally
   hypothermic and can relate to
   organ dysfunction like this CAD
 
   This phlebitis was not detected by
   other tests. Vascular pain and
   other inflammation can be
   graphically shown with DITI		    Left brachial plexus entrapment
   causing weakness and pain
   in the lower arm		  

 
 
Skin blood flow is under the control of the sympathetic nervous system. In normal people there is a symmetrical dermal pattern which is consistent and reproducible for any individual. This is recorded in precise detail with a temperature sensitivity of 0.1C by DITI.

The neuro-thermography application of DITI measures the somatic component of the sympathetic nervous system by assessing dermal blood flow. The sympathetic nervous system is stimulated at the same anatomical location as its sensory counterpart and produces a 'somato sympathetic response'. The somato sympathetic response appears on DITI as a localized area of altered temperature with specific features for each anatomical lesion. The mean temperature differential in peripheral nerve injury is 1.5C. In sympathetic dysfunctions (RSD / SMP / CRPS) temperature differentials ranging from 1C to 10C depending on severity are not uncommon.

Rheumatological processes generally appear as 'hot' areas with increased temperature patterns. The pathology is generally an inflammatory process, i.e. synovitis of joints and tendon sheaths, epicondylitis, capsular and muscle injuries, etc. Both hot and cold responses may coexist if the pain associated with an inflammatory focus excites an increase in sympathetic activity. Also, vascular conditions are readily demonstrated by DITI including Raynauds disease, Vasculitis, Limb Ischemia, DVT, etc.
  
 
Clinical uses for DITI include:

   
 
DITI is filling the gap in clinical diagnosis...
 

  • X ray, C.T. Ultrasound and M.R.I. etc., are tests of anatomy. E.M.G. is a test of motor physiology. DITI is unique in its capability to show physiological change and metabolic processes. It has also proven to be a very useful complementary procedure to other diagnostic modalities. Unlike most diagnostic modalities DITI is non-invasive. It is a very sensitive and reliable means of graphically mapping and displaying skin surface temperature. With DITI you can diagnosis, evaluate, monitor and document a large number of injuries and conditions, including soft tissue injuries and sensory/autonomic nerve fibre dysfunction.
     

  • DITI can offer considerable financial savings by avoiding the need for more expensive investigation for many clients.
     

  • DITI can graphically display the very subjective feeling of pain by objectively displaying the changes in skin surface temperature that accompany pain states.
     
    DITI can show a combined effect of the autonomic nervous system and the vascular system, down to capillary dysfunctions. The effects of these changes show as asymmetries in temperature distribution on the surface of the body.
     

  • DITI is a monitor of thermal abnormalities present in a number of diseases and physical injuries. It is used as an aid for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as therapy follow up and rehabilitation monitoring, within clinical fields that include Rheumatology, neurology, physiotherapy, sports medicine, oncology, paediatrics, orthopaedics and many others.
     

  • Results obtained with DITI systems are totally objective and show excellent correlation with other diagnostic tests.

 

 
 
 
 
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