Re: Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) of breast lesions: Sensitivity and specificity of detection of primary breast cancers

Abstract

Dear Sirs, We read the paper of Kontos et al. with interest, especially in regard to the fact that one of the authors of this letter is one of the cited authors1. Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) represents rather available and biologically harmless method with raising scientific and clinical interest for its use in diagnosing various inflammatory and malignant conditions, using standardized protocols and techniques. After careful reading of the mentioned article, we found the conclusions inconsistent and drawn after applying non–standardized protocols for use of DITI in such clinical setting (3 thermographic imaging positions instead of 5 imaging positions)2. Furthermore, the authors of the article used a non–standardized protocol for evaluation of obtained thermographic images2. Surprisingly, by the means of applying non–standardized methods the results of the study point to low sensitivity and higher specificity of DITI in diagnosing breast lesions, which is in contrast to cited literature. According to our preliminary data, it seems that DITI is a promising tool in evaluation of breast lesions, complementary to standard clinical protocols.