Detection of peritonsillar abscess using smartphone-based thermal imaging.

Objective: Smartphone-based thermal imaging was evaluated for its utility in the detection of peritonsillar abscesses.
Methods: We describe six cases of peritonsillar abscess in which computed tomography and thermography scans of the neck were performed prior to surgery.
Results: Open-mouth thermal photographic images were obtained preoperatively from patients, and asymmetric hot spots with significantly higher temperatures in the peritonsillar area were identified as abscesses.
Conclusions: This new portable smartphone-based thermal imaging technique may be useful in the detection of peritonsillar abscesses.
Competing Interests: Declaration of interest: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest with any third party.