Imaging Diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / 实用放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the value of imaging in the diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy(RSD).Methods The clinical manifestations and imaging findings of RSD in five patients were analyzed.Results The onset of clinical symptoms of patients was followed by an injury in all cases.Severe pain,swelling,limited range of motion and vasomotor instability were main complaints.Patchy bone demineralization could be found both on plain radiographs and CT.CT scan was superior to plain radiographs in detecting bone demineralization.Increased scintigraphic uptake in the involved extremities were demonstrated in all four patients who examined by bone scintigraphy.Bony erosions which were not easily visible on plain radiographs could be clearly seen on MRI in one patient at early stage.Conclusion Patchy bone demineralization on plain radiographs and CT is the most outstanding imaging finding in RSD.Bone scintigraphy and MRI can help early in diagnosis of the disease.