Terahertz imaging for early screening of diabetic foot syndrome: A proof of concept

Sci Rep. 2017 Feb 6:7:42124. doi: 10.1038/srep42124.

Abstract

Most people with diabetes suffer some deterioration of the feet. Diabetic foot syndrome causes ulceration in about 15% of cases and such deterioration leads to amputation in about 2.5% of diabetic patients, diminishing their quality of life and generating extraordinary costs for patients and public health systems. Currently, there is no objective method for the detection of diabetic foot syndrome in its early stages. We propose terahertz imaging as a method for the evaluation of such deterioration. This screening method could aid the prevention and medical treatment of this condition in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amputation, Surgical / statistics & numerical data
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Diabetic Foot / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diabetic Foot / economics
  • Diabetic Foot / psychology
  • Diabetic Foot / surgery
  • Female
  • Health Care Costs
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Risk Factors
  • Syndrome
  • Terahertz Imaging / instrumentation
  • Terahertz Imaging / methods*