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Bone scintigraphy in the reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome
Radiology
|February 1, 1981
Summary
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) diagnosis can be aided by scintigraphy, which reveals blood flow abnormalities. Scans may normalize with therapy, indicating a reversible condition and predicting treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is a challenging condition to diagnose.
- Radiographic and scintigraphic findings are crucial for understanding RSDS pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of radiographic and scintigraphic findings in patients with suspected reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS).
- To determine if scintigraphic patterns can predict treatment response in RSDS patients.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-four patients with possible RSDS were classified into five groups based on clinical criteria.
- Radiographic and scintigraphic imaging were performed, with serial scintigraphy in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- Osteoporosis was observed in 69% of definite/probable/possible RSDS cases versus 21% in others.
- Scintigraphic abnormalities, including increased blood flow and periarticular radionuclide uptake, were present in 60% of RSDS patients.
- Successful therapy led to normalization of scintigraphic patterns in 55% of patients with serial scans.
Conclusions:
- Scintigraphy may reflect an active, potentially reversible local blood flow disorder in RSDS.
- Scintigraphic patterns show promise for aiding RSDS diagnosis and predicting response to systemic steroid therapy.