title: Imaging of regional pain syndromes; from syndromes to conditions using imaging?
abstract: Musculoskeletal regional pain syndromes often lead to patient referrals in general and rheumatological practice. Detailed history taking and clinical examination can in most cases reveal the cause for pain and direct the subsequent management of the conditions. Yet, when in doubt, imaging methods have to support the clinical assessment. This paper presents the underlying pathologies of the most frequently encountered regional pain syndromes and the role of musculoskeletal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in their visualization. It presents data, where available, on diagnostic accuracy and comparisons with gold standards. The article stresses the advantages and disadvantages of the analyzed imaging modalities and suggests the future research agenda.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Poal de Reumatologia, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Rheumatology, Zealand's University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark. Electronic address: ingrid.moller@ipoal.com.
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Möller
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Zealand's University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600, Køge, Denmark.
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Szkudlarek
mesh_terms: D020918:Complex Regional Pain Syndromes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000150:complications
keywords: Imaging; Regional pain syndromes; Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging