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PubMed1999

Objective and subjective assessments of temperature differences between the hands in reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

OBJECTIVE: A difference in temperature between the affected and normal extremity is one of the signs or symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). These temperature differences are scored anamnestically, by palpation, or by measurements. We investigated the relationship between objective and subjective differences in skin temperature between the hands. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN: Fifty-one patients with RSD of one upper extremity participated (mean age 55 years, range 18-80). In the first 16 we investigated the reliability of the visual analogue scale (VAS) for recording perceived differences in skin temperature. In the remaining 35 patients the relationship between the VAS and objective infrared radiometry of the hands was investigated. SETTING: Outpatients clinics of two university hospitals. RESULTS: The VAS was found to be reliable in terms of response stability. There was no significant correlation between the objective and subjective outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There is lack of correspondence between objective and subjective temperature measurements, which may be due to a normal discrepancy between objective and perceived temperature, and/or to alterations in perception due to RSD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Usefulness of transcranial magnetic stimulation to predict the development of reflex sympathetic dystrophy poststroke: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive value of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for the development of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) poststroke. DESIGN: Blind clinical assessment of 2 groups of stroke patients defined on the basis of absent or preserved motor evoked potentials (MEPs) on the affected side. SETTING: Stroke rehabilitation center. PATIENTS: Twenty stroke patients between the ages of 41 and 85 years, undergoing rehabilitation. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: MEPs from upper limbs 30 days poststroke, Motricity Index, and scoring of RSD using the Enjalbert Scale 73 days poststroke. RESULTS: A good correlation was found between Motricity Index and TMS results (P<.01). Average Enjalbert scores were significantly different between the 2 groups (P=.03). No significant correlation was found between Enjalbert scores and the Motricity Index. CONCLUSIONS: Although no significant relationship was found between upper-limb motor impairment and intensity of RSD 10 weeks after stroke, the TMS responses permitted the early categorization of patients into 2 groups that developed significantly different average Enjalbert scores 1 to 2 months later when this clinical condition was fully developed.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Synovial effusion in reflex sympathetic dystrophy: an additional sign for diagnosis and staging.

PURPOSE: To improve the present MRI criteria for diagnosis and staging of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) by including increased joint fluid as an additional MRI sign of RSD. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: One hundred and fourteen extremities (69 affected and 45 contralateral controls) in 57 consecutive patients with RSD were evaluated using a 1.5-T unit. T1- and T2-weighted pulse sequences, often with fat suppression, were used before and after administration of intravenous contrast enhancement (Gd). Following T2-weighted image digitization the volume of synovial fluid was measured with a computer model. RESULTS: Effusions were detected in 61% of the extremities suspected of RSD and in 44% of the contralateral control joints. The mean fluid quantity measured in the symptomatic articulation was 201 mm3. MRI diagnosis of RSD based on previously described criteria was done in 62% of the patients, yielding a sensitivity of 60%. Effusions were present in 79% of the false negative MRI cases. Retrospectively considering the presence of fluid as a potential positive criterion for RSD increases the sensitivity by 31% (to 91%). CONCLUSIONS: Joint effusions are probably associated with early stages of RSD. Adding effusion to the list of radiological criteria for RSD increases the sensitivity of MRI from 60% to 91%.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Clinical signs and symptoms of acute reflex sympathetic dystrophy in one hindlimb of the rat, induced by infusion of a free-radical donor.

The acute phase of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is characterized by the classical signs and symptoms of inflammation (rubor, calor, dolor, tumor and impaired function). As free radicals are involved in acute inflammation, we studied the effects of free radicals in an animal model, especially as to signs and symptoms found in acute RSD. Awake rats were given continuous intra-arterial infusion (1 ml/h) in the left hindlimb, with saline (n = 6) or the free-radical donor tert-butylhydroperoxide (tert-BuOOH, 25 mM, n = 6). During a 24-h infusion period the skin temperature, volume, skin color, function and pain reactions of the paws were observed. After 24 h the rats were killed and both gastrocnemius muscles were histologically analyzed. Infusion with tert-BuOOH induced in the left paw an increased skin temperature, increased volume, redness of the plantar skin, impaired function and increased pain sensation, while these acute RSD signs and symptoms were absent in the saline infused animals. The alterations in pain sensation (spontaneous, mechanical and thermal pain) were similar to findings in the neuropathic animal model. The gastrocnemius muscles of the saline infused rats and the contralateral gastrocnemius muscle of the tert-BuOOH infused rats showed no histological tissue damage. In the left gastrocnemius muscle free-radical-related damage was visible. Induction of free-radical formation in one hindlimb of awake rats mimics the acute signs and symptoms of acute RSD, with alterations in pain sensation as found in the classical neuropathic animal model of RSD, as well as in acute RSD patients.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2002

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy: an unusual complication of radial artery graft harvesting.

Radial artery autograft is re-establishing its place as a conduit of choice in coronary artery revascularization. Its revival after initial abandonment followed the recent emergence of encouraging medium- to long-term patency rates. Limb complications following radial artery harvesting are fortunately rare although those involving vascular supply to the hand and wound rank among the most commonly reported problems. On the other hand, reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the donor limb leading to significant disability, as illustrated in this case report, has so far not been recognized. With increasing popularity of radial artery grafts in coronary surgery, such an important complication, though uncommon, may assume greater importance. Early recognition and prompt referral for appropriate treatment are essential to minimize the impact of reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

Coronary Artery Disease↗
PubMed1991

Somatosensory evoked potentials are unchanged by reflex sympathetic dystrophy and by stellate ganglion block.

Median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were monitored in patients with chronic pain before and after stellate ganglion blockade. A change caused by the syndrome or by the block would suggest that SEPs might be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We observed 20 subjects. Group I (n = 10) had chronic pain not involving the upper extremity. Group II (n = 8) had reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the arm. All patients underwent unilateral stellate ganglion block using an anterior paratracheal approach. The SEPs were recorded by median nerve stimulation on the blocked (affected) side and unblocked (unaffected) side before and 30 min after the block. Recording sites were ipsilateral brachial plexus, the cervical spinal cord, and the contralateral sensory cortex. There were no between-group differences before or after the block. Paired analysis within each group showed that the SEPs were not different from baseline (unaffected side before block) at any time throughout the study. We conclude that since SEPs are not changed by the reflex sympathetic dystrophy or stellate ganglion block, they would not be useful in the evaluation of pain or in determining the effectiveness of sympathetic block. Both the pain and the block appear to involve alteration of conducting pathways separate from those monitored by median nerve SEPs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

The treatment of upper extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy with prolonged continuous stellate ganglion blockade.

Twenty-nine consecutively treated patients over a 5-year period with upper extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy were admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital for prolonged continuous stellate ganglion blockade. Diagnosis was based on the presence of pain, decreased joint motion, trophic changes, and vasomotor disturbances. Selection for blockade was made on the failure to improve with outpatient physical therapy, tranquilizers, and mild analgesics. Treatment consisted of indwelling-catheter injections of bupivacaine hydrochloride every eight hours to the stellate ganglion for an average of 7 days, supplemented with vigorous physical therapy. Improvement during treatment was documented in all but two patients with regard to pain and decreased joint motion and in two-thirds with regard to trophic and vasomotor changes. Long-term follow-up demonstrated a relapse rate of 25%, but marked improvement persisted in the rest and normal status was attained in four of 26 patients at an average of 3 years later.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in hemiplegia.

Eighty-five consecutive post-CVA hemiplegic patients were assessed prospectively for radionuclide and clinical features of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). Scintigraphy, a safe and relatively noninvasive procedure, has proved to be more sensitive than clinical evaluation for early diagnosis of RSD. RSD was found to be more prevalent in the post-CVA hemiplegic patient than previously reported. Twenty-one patients (25%) exhibited radionuclide evidence of RSD based on delayed scan criteria of increased uptake in the hemiplegic wrist, metacarpal-phalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints. Two patterns of soft tissue blood flow were observed. Eight scan-positive RSD patients presented a low flow pattern identical to the non-RSD hemiplegic patients while the remaining thirteen exhibited a high flow pattern. Neither demographic characteristics, co-morbid conditions, etiology of CVA, nor site of lesion had any bearing on RSD development. There was no clinical or radionuclide evidence of bilateral involvement commonly described in other heterogeneous RSD populations. Clinical diagnosis was difficult, as various features of the syndrome were often present for other reasons and the presentation was frequently incomplete. MCP tenderness to compression proved to be the most valuable clinical sign of RSD, with a predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity rates of 100%, 85.7%, and 100% respectively.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Relationship between impairments, disability and handicap in reflex sympathetic dystrophy patients: a long-term follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between impairments, disability and handicap in reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) patients. DESIGN: A long-term follow-up study of upper extremity RSD patients. SETTING: A university hospital. SUBJECTS: Sixty-five patients, 3-9 years (mean interval 5.5 years) after RSD of the upper extremity (mean age 50.2 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Impairments: range of motion, moving two point discrimination, muscle strength of the hand and pain were measured. Disability was assessed with the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) and handicap was assessed with three subscales (social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems and role limitations due to emotional problems) of the RAND-36. RESULTS: After RSD of the upper extremity, 62% of the patients are limited in activities of daily living (ADL) and/or instrumental ADL (IADL). Pain and restrictions in forward flexion of the shoulder, thumb opposition and grip strength are the most important impairments limiting ADL and IADL. Patients with limitations in ADL and IADL are significantly more handicapped than patients without limitations. Pain is the most important factor contributing to handicap. CONCLUSION: The relationship between impairments and disability and between disability and handicap in RSD patients is weak to moderate. Pain is the most important factor leading to disability and handicap.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1981

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome of the upper extremity: analysis of total outcome of management of 125 cases.

Case histories of 125 patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome of the upper extremity seen from July 1973 to March 1976 were reviewed. There was a 2.9:1 female preponderance. Twenty-four patients had documented litigation pending; however, it did not alter the final outcome significantly. On medical records, progress was noted for 86 patients with 16% having excellent results, 35% good, 26% satisfactory, 6% fair and 17% poor (all subjective evaluations by treating physicians). Median duration of follow-up prior to this study was approximately 2.5 months. Median duration between last clinic visit and follow-up study was 14.5 months. Follow-up letters sent to 123 patients who were believed to be alive showed that 4 patients had died; 77 (63%) replied. The majority of patients (53/77) reported that they still had pain in the shoulder/or hand, but 68% were taking no medications and only 15.3% (12) were taking narcotics. Twenty-eight patients (36%) claimed they were continuing physical therapy at home. Twenty-four (31%) retired or did not go back to the same work. Thirty-five percent were officially disabled, 30% were back at their same jobs and 29/59 female patients (49%) were able to do all the housework. Eighteen patients (23%) were able to return to 100% daily activity, 23 patients (30%) to 75% activity. Eleven patients (14%) had modified their activities considerably and were not able to do well.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Quantitative evaluation of sympathetic nervous system dysfunction in patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

The sympathetic nervous system function in 20 patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) of one upper extremity was examined by a non-invasive laser Doppler method to assess fingertip blood flow and vasoconstrictor response to deep inspiration. We observed an increased blood flow but an unchanged vasoconstrictor response in the affected hand in stage 1 of the disorder, but in stage 2 there was a decreased blood flow and a stronger vasoconstriction following an inspiratory gasp. Skin blood flow and vasoconstrictor response returned to normal following successful treatment of the condition. These results suggest that in RSD patients the sympathetic nervous system function is altered and is different in the various stages. The objective method used in our study may be of value in the diagnosis and management of RSD.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Intravenous clodronate in the treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) clodronate in patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) and to assess the urinary excretion of type I collagen crosslinked N-telopeptide (NTx) before and after the treatment. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with RSDS were randomized to receive either i.v. clodronate 300 mg daily for 10 consecutive days or placebo. Forty days later, the placebo treated patients received the clodronate treatment. Outcome measures included as a primary endpoint the visual analog scale of pain (VAS, range 0-100); secondary endpoints were a clinical global assessment (CGA, range 0-3) and an efficacy verbal score (EVS, range 0-3). Clinical and biochemical assessments were performed before the treatment, 40 (T40), 90 (T90), and 180 (T180) days later. RESULTS: At T40 the 15 patients randomized to clodronate treatment showed significant decreases of VAS and CGA (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively). Compared with the placebo group (17 patients), significant differences were found in all clinical variables (VAS: p = 0.001; CGA: p = 0.001; EVS: p<0.0001). A further clinical improvement was observed throughout the study. Pooling the results of all 32 patients after clodronate treatment, at T180 the overall percentage decrease of VAS was 93.2+/-15.6%, with 30 patients significantly improved or asymptomatic. Significant inverse correlations between baseline NTx values and decreases of VAS were found at T90 (p = 0.03) and T180 (p = 0.01). No adverse events related to treatment occurred. CONCLUSION: A 10 day i.v. clodronate course is better than placebo and effective in the treatment of RSDS. NTx seems to be a predictive factor for clodronate efficacy.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Motor paresis improved by sympathetic block. A motor form of reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

Four patients had a characteristic motor paresis that was dramatically improved by sympathetic block. The cause of this paresis could not be determined by the usual neurological examinations. It was similar to reflex sympathetic dystrophy in that the patients experienced severe pain, swelling, coldness, and muscle atrophy in the affected limbs or other parts of the body in the course of their illness. However, the motor paresis could precede the pain or develop after the pain had disappeared. Even in the absence of pain, the motor paresis was exacerbated by sympathetic stimulation using epinephrine, norepinephrine (nor-adrenalin), or isoproterenol hydrochloride (Proternol) loading and was improved by regional intravenous infusion of reserpine or by sympathetic ganglion block. Loading with pilocarpine, atropine sulfate (Bosmin), and edrophonium chloride (Antirex) did not influence the paresis. This motor paresis is thought to be due to abnormally increased sympathetic tone and may be considered a motor form of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. However, motor paresis closely related to sympathetic dysfunction is quite a new condition that we call "sympathetic motor paresis." This is important clinically because a long-standing effect can be expected from permanent sympathetic ganglion block with dehydrated ethanol.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Effect of surgical sympathectomy on arterial blood flow in reflex sympathetic dystrophy: Doppler US assessment.

PURPOSE: To assess duplex Doppler ultrasound (US) in providing objective, reproducible measurements of blood flow in patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) who underwent surgical sympathectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Findings in eight adult patients with RSD who were evaluated with arterial duplex Doppler US after surgical sympathetectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Pulsatility index (PI) and waveform characteristics were compared to clinical findings (temperature and sudomotor state) in sympathectomized limbs. RESULTS: Warm and dry limbs yielded a consistently low PI (usually less than 2) and biphasic waveform. Cold and clammy limbs, which indicated failed sympathectomy, produced a high PI (usually greater than 4) and triphasic waveform. The Doppler waveform promptly reverted with the return of sympathetic tone in patients who had clinical relapse. CONCLUSION: Duplex Doppler US may be useful for objective follow-up of RSD patients after sympathectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Calcitonin in reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and other painful conditions.

Salmon calcitonin (especially intranasal) provides an interesting analgesic effect in a series of painful conditions including reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, adhesive capsulitis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, vertebral crush fractures and metastasis, phantom limb pain, etc. In addition, in preliminary series, calcitonin shows an unexpected benefit to vasomotor changes and peptic ulcer. Yet the experience in these conditions is limited and needs confirmation. By comparison with the injectable, the intranasal route seems particularly interesting because of less undesirable effects, and a more rapid and probably more powerful analgesia.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Correlation of pain with temperature and blood-flow changes in the lower limb following chemical lumbar sympathectomy in reflex sympathetic dystrophy. A case report.

Temperature and microcirculatory blood flow studies have been measured before and after chemical sympathectomy in a patient with reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the left leg present for at least three years following surgery for glomus tumour. Normalisation of temperature and blood flow was associated with the relief of pain, present initially when the limb was hypothermic and vasoconstricted and recurring when the limb was hyperthermic and vasodilated. It is possible that such objective measurement may be used to determine the optimal management of RSD.

Aged↗