[Fwd: Laser Doppler Imaging Detects Soft Tissue Inflammation]

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Laser Doppler Imaging Detects Soft Tissue Inflammation

Rheumatology Online 12/08/2000

> A novel form of tissue perfusion measurement, laser Doppler imaging with a

> near-infrared laser source, is a non-invasive, effective and more sensitive

> way of examining inflammatory responses in soft tissue than thermally based

> methods.

>

> Laser Doppler imaging also correlates with power Doppler ultrasonography,

> according to a new study.

>

> This investigation evaluated laser Doppler imaging in a case of lateral

> epicondylitis to determine if it might have applications in assessing soft

> tissue lesions.

>

> The investigators used laser Doppler imaging in three key respects. With

> ultrasonography, it provided information about tissue oedema; as an

> alternative to the power Doppler signal method, it assessed blood flow; it

> improved tissue penetration and yielded measurements of perfusion (flux)

> from structures under the skin.

>

> Skin temperature over the lateral epicondylar region was also measured.

> Ultrasonography was used in both grey-scale and power Doppler modes. Laser

> Doppler imaging, temperature measurements and ultrasonographic data were

> obtained before treatment and serially after local injection of

> methylprednisolone.

>

> The researchers reported that, before treatment, there was increased

> perfusion and skin temperature and the presence of a power Doppler sign

> associated with the right lateral epicondyle as well as oedema at the

> extensor origin.

>

> None of these was present at the asymptomatic contralateral epicondylar

> region. At 24 hours after methylprednisolone was injected, both perfusion

> and skin temperature had risen, declining over the subsequent 48 hours.

>

> Although skin temperature had fallen to normal (referenced to the

> contralateral epicondyle) by the third day after injection, it took until

> the 11th day after injection for perfusion to revert to normal.

>

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