RECURRENT REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY AS A MANIFESTATION OF SYSTEMICLUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSDS) is a syndrome of hyperesthesia and vasomotor disturbance of an extremity, often following trauma or an i nflammatory process. We describe a patient with systemic lupus erythem atosus (SLE) and recurrent RSDS involving all 4 extremities at various times during her illness. Treatments, including corticosteroid use, p hysical therapy and at times sympathetic nerve blockade led to the res olution of each episode. We suggest the diagnosis of RSDS be considere d in patients with connective tissue diseases who present with atypica l pain syndromes not attributable to their primary illness.