title: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy: electronic thermography as an aid in diagnosis.
abstract: Reflex sympathetic dystrophies can be distressing conditions for patients as well as physicians. In the full-blown case, the diagnosis is easy to make; however, many more subtle forms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy exist. In the full-blown case, diagnosis may be quite simple when the physical findings are present. In the more subtle forms, however, one must have a high index of suspicion in order to make the diagnosis. Clinical testing, such as stellate ganglion blocks, may or may not be helpful. Electronic infrared thermography emerges as a helpful tool in the aid to diagnosis. We have presented several cases in order to illustrate this.
authors.affiliation: Tarzana Sports Injury and Orthopedic Medical Group, Tarzana, California.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Perelman
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Adler
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Humphreys
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013817:Thermography / Q000379:methods*