Reflex sympathetic dystrophy: electronic thermography as an aid in diagnosis.
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.
Perelman
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Tarzana Sports Injury and Orthopedic Medical Group, Tarzana, California.
Adler
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Humphreys
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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*