The first scintigraphic detection of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type 1.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha has been identified as a pathogenic factor in many immunologically based diseases and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). In this case series, we used radiolabeled technetium anti-TNF-alpha antibody to scintigraphically image TNF-alpha in 3 patients with type 1 CRPS. The results show that TNF-alpha was localized only in affected hands of patients with early-stage CRPS. No uptake was seen in clinically unaffected hands and late-stage CRPS. Our findings support the growing evidence for neuroimmune disturbance in patients with CRPS and may have important further implications for specific anticytokine treatment in patients with CRPS.
Bernateck
Michael
M
Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany. bernateck.michael@mh-hannover.de
Karst
Matthias
M
Gratz
Klaus F
KF
Meyer
Geerd J
GJ
Fischer
Michael J
MJ
Knapp
Wolfram H
WH
Koppert
Wolfgang
W
Brunkhorst
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D000069285:Infliximab; D007553:Isotope Labeling; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000097:blood*; D013669:Technetium Tc 99m Medronate; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism*; D014915:Whole-Body Counting; D055815:Young Adult
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab; D013669:Technetium Tc 99m Medronate