OBJECTIVETo use infrared thermography to take cat cerebral cortical temperature in order to visualize the temperature of its entire cerebral cortex as an image.

METHODSAfter performing craniotomy for exposure of cerebral hemispheres in 52 cats, their cortical temperatures were displayed and analyzed by computerized infrared thermovision.

RESULTSThe temperature distribution of the cerebral cortex was uneven, with a maximum difference of 2.3 degrees C among different cortical areas. The temperature in the cortical anterior-inferior area (including the Ant. Ectosylvian, the lower section of Mid. Ectosylvian and the Ant. Sylvian) was higher compared to the temperature in the posterior-super-parts (Post. Suprasylvian, Mid. Suprasylvian, Post. Lateral and Ant. Lateral). Locations with higher or lower temperatures showed little change within three days after craniotomy, and the cortical temperature held steady.

CONCLUSIONThe use of cortical infrared thermo-images for display of cat cortical temperature is possible and has many advantages over traditional methods. This new neuroimaging method has a practical value in neurological research.