The Application of Wavelet Transform in Diagnosing and Grading of Varicocele in Thermal Images

Varicocele is the abnormal dilation and tortuosity of venous plexus (venous) above the testicles. The pattern of abnormal heat distribution in the scrotum can be diagnosed by the help of thermal imaging. Thermal Imaging is a distant, non-contact, and non-invasive method. Thermal imaging was conducted on 50 patients who referred to the hospital 501 (AJA). It was implemented by non-contact infrared camera VISIR 640. Capabilities of thermography method was then evaluated. In order to evaluate and diagnose the varicocele, thermal asymmetry and Haar wavelet techniques were used based on thermal imaging. In two methods, with the help of heat distribution, varicocele can be detected using a thermal camera; one of these two methods includes thermal asymmetry and increased temperature in venous plexus (pampiniform) with no thermal increase in the testicle of the same side (It is grade II of varicocele with a temperature difference of about 1 °C), and the other includes the increased temperature of venous plexus (pampiniform) with increased temperature of the testicle in the same side(It is grade III of varicocele with a temperature difference of about 1.5 °C). The accuracy of the recognition of thermography is 76% in different grades of varicocele. According to the results of the study, thermography is a useful method for the initial screening process. In addition, it can be applied as a supplement to other diagnostic techniques due to lack of exposure, low cost and its exact diagnostic capacity in varicocele.