Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Assessment of endothelial function in complex regional pain syndrome type I using iontophoresis and laser Doppler
R Gorodkin1, T Moore, A Herrick
1University of Manchester Rheumatic Disease Centre, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK. rachel.gorodkin@man.ac.uk
Objectives:
To assess microvascular endothelial function in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS) compared with healthy controls, as measured by iontophoresis of vasoactive chemicals and laser Doppler imaging.
Methods:
Microvascular blood flow was stimulated locally in affected and contralateral limbs of patients with CRPS (n = 17) and in control subjects (n = 16) using iontophoresis of the endothelial-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine (ACh) and the endothelial-independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside (NaNP). Changes in blood flow were measured using laser Doppler imaging. Comparisons were made between right and left limbs and between patients and controls.
Results:
No significant differences in blood flow [expressed as a median percentage increase from baseline (interquartile range)] were detected between affected and contralateral limbs in patients with CRPS for ACh [affected 237 (95-344); unaffected 251 (152-273)] or for NaNP [affected 102 (49-300); unaffected 190 (53-218)]. In addition, there were no significant differences between patients and healthy controls [controls, ACh 216 (119-316); controls, NaNP: 122 (48-249)].
Conclusions:
In this pilot study, CRPS was not associated with impairment of microvascular endothelial function. This may be a true result or may reflect the diversity of the CRPS disease process.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation