Infrared thermography in children: identifying key facial temperature distribution patterns

Abstract

Infrared thermography is a versatile non-invasive examination method. Only a few studies used it on children´s face. To describe facial temperature spatial distribution in nasal-breathing children, compare temperature between sexes, and verify whether thermoanatomic points described for adults are easily viewed in children, and to assess the reliability of marking those points. Cross-sectional observational study of 30 nasal-breathing children of both sexes aged 4 to 11 years. Three thermograms of each participant were recorded. The mean temperatures of 14 thermoanatomic points were assessed in the front view thermogram, as well as 12 such points (six on each side) in the side view thermograms. Descriptive analysis, comparison between the sexes, and intra- and interrater agreement analyses of point assessment were made. In the front view thermogram, the highest temperature was in the Medial Palpebral Commissure (right: 34.83 °C and left: 34.93 °C), while in the side view, it was in the Temporal (34.78 °C and 34.77 °C). The Supratrochlear point did not stand out on the children’s faces. The forehead, eyes, and perioral regions were the warmest ones, while the nose, cheeks, and chin were the coolest ones. No differences were found between the sexes (p > 0.05). Intra- and interrater agreement analyses of point assessment ranged from good to excellent. Children exhibited thermal asymmetry. Their warmest regions were the forehead, eyes, and perioral region. There was no difference between sexes and the thermoanatomic points found in children were similar to those in adults, except for Supratrochlear, which is not nitid. Intra and interrater agreement was good or excellent for most points.