eflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) is an distinct symptom complex characterized by diffuse distal-limb pain, edema, vasomotor skin change and dystropic skin change. It hs been associated with limb-trauma, acute stoke, myocardial
ischemia,
peripheral neuropathy, phamacological agents such as phenobarbital and antituberculosis agents and malignancy.
We report the clinical and radiologocal features fo 20 patients who were diagnosed of
RSDS at Kangnam Saint Mary's Hospital between January 1988 and May 1991.
The results were as follows;
1) Acoording to Kozin's criteria, seven (35%) are diagnosed of definite RSDS, eight (40%)
of probable RSDS, and five (25%) of doubtful RSDS.
2) Disorders associated with RSDS were cerebrovascular disease (7 patients), malignancy
(4 patients), myocardial ischemia (4 patients) and antituberculosis drug (2 patients). The
remaining 6 patients (30%) had no specific precipitating events.
3) Review of the Three phase bone scitigraphy (TPBS) for 20 patients indicated that
nineteen of twenty patients (95%) has asymmetric and abnormal blood flow in TPBS.
4) Most patients were diagnosed early, therfore, had symptomatic relief without sequele
such as flexion contracture of skin or subcutaneous atrophy by analgesics, steroid, calcitonin
and physical therapy.
In summary, the TPBS is a potentially sesnsitive and specific test to corroborate the
diagnosis of RSDS and we can expect to have symptomatic relief without sequence if this
disorder could be diagnosed and treated, early.
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