REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY SYNDROME - I NTRODUCTION, GENERAL DATA, DIAGNOSIS

The development of medical imaging techniques does not justify the cur rent tendency to reduce the emphasis on clinical manifestations in ref lex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) and to use terms such as ''t ransient osteoporosis'' or ''bone marrow edema'' to designate conditio ns that meet the definition for RSDS. This syndrome is characterized b y focal lesions that go through two successive phases. Clinical and ra diological features are reviewed. The clinical picture is influenced b y the site involved (superficial or deep), vascular and anatomic facto rs, and etiologic factors. To obtain a valid evaluation, investigation s should all be performed at the same stage of the disease. The curren t diagnostic approach is described, and diagnostic pitfalls are discus sed.