Evaluation of Engorged Puerperal Breast by Thermographic Imaging: A Pilot Study

Aim of this work was to conduct a pilot study on the use of thermography to evaluate engorged breasts. Ten lactating volunteers, five normal and five engorged, were evaluated by clinical examination and thermographic images. Two regions of interest for breast are selected in the thermographic images. The average temperature in these regions were statistically compared, significance level of 95%. The average normal breast temperature was 34.13 ± 0.71 °C and the abnormal breast 35.03 ± 0.50 °C. These temperatures showed statistical difference when compared between (p-value < 0.05). The data obtained made it possible to analyze the thermographic changes of the puerperal breast, thus contributing to more accurate diagnoses. The results indicated that with clinical examination and infrared thermography, it was possible to delineate a differential pattern between the various events that affect the breast in the lactation process.