Femoral isothermal pattern in peripheral nervous system lesions of lumbosacral localization

Based on longterm experience with telethermography acquired at the Laboratory of Telethermography and Vegetative Functions, University Department of Neurology, Zagreb University School of Medicine, results are presented of the analysis of isotherms and isothermal patterns in neurologically normal subjects and patients with affection of peripheral neural structures of the lumbosacral region, with special reference to anterior femoral surface. Evaluation of the results suggested isothermal disorganization and altered angle of inclination of isothermal lines against horizontal line and in the presence of isothermia to be a reliable sign of peripheral nervous system lesion at this specific localization. It is proposed that this diagnostic criterion be introduced in the routine telethermographic practice. In addition, an original interpretation of the genesis of isothermal image is offered, with a critical attitude towards the neologism 'thermatome' and attempts at explaining it by analogy with dermatome.