Thermal clearance is a measure for local microcirculatory blood flow i
n the skin. With a new thermal sensor, clearance of the skin has been
evaluated in patients with postthrombotic syndrome (n = 22) and in pat
ients with peripheral arterial syndromes of the legs (n = 17) in compa
rison with healthy subjects (n = 40). Quantitative parameters as a met
hod of measuring thermal clearance have been evaluated. These paramete
rs (delta T1, delta T2) are able to well discriminate healthy subjects
from patients with disturbances. In all three groups these parameters
have been tested about their diagnostic value to obtain limiting valu
es. Therefore sensitivity, specifity and their dependence of the preva
lence, the so-called predictive values, have been pointed out. Thus a
statement is possible, in which situation (unselected patients/outpati
ents clinic - angiology) this new kind of measurement, with which limi
ting values, can be applied.