Premium
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in a patient with peripheral sympathetic denervation
Author(s) -
Kimber J. R.,
Smith G. D. P.,
Mathias C.J.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-1331.1997.tb00353.x
Subject(s) - medicine , reflex , vasomotor , dystrophy , sympathetic denervation , peripheral , denervation , pathogenesis , anesthesia , pathology
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) includes persistent pain in an extremity, associated with features of vasomotor dysfunction and, later, dystrophic changes. Many theories have been proposed to explain these clinical features and include sympathetic dysfunction. We report a unique case of RSD following an upper limb fracture in a patient with established severe peripheral sympathetic denervation as part of idiopathic chronic autonomic failure. This case provides evidence that the clinical features of RSD were not mediated via increased sympathetic nerve activity in the affected limb. Locally released neuropeptides or autocoids therefore may be involved in the pathogenesis of RSD. The term sympathetic in RSD may be inappropriate and require revision.