Infrared imaging of nitric oxide-mediated blood flow in human sickle cell disease

► Sickle cell disease causes vascular dysfunction that increases mortality. ► We used infrared imaging of the skin to characterize vascular function. ► Skin temperature correlated with blood flow at rest and in response to vasodilators. ► Sickle cell patients with warm skin exhibited diminished responses to nitric oxide. ► Warm skin may be a marker of vascular risk in patients with sickle cell disease.