SCINTIGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTRANASAL CALCITONIN THERAPY IN SUDECKS ATROPHY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intranasal salmo n calcitonin compared to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in patients with Sudeck's atrophy by means of quantitative three-phas e bone scanning. Included in the study were 14 patients with Sudeck's atrophy whose diagnoses were confirmed by clinical and radiological ex aminations. Seven patients were treated with intranasal salmon calcito nin (100 IU twice daily) and 1 g elementary calcium daily for 5 weeks. The other group of seven patients was treated with 75 mg indomethacin daily for 5 weeks. The effectiveness of both treatments was analysed by comparing quantitative three-phase bone scans which were performed before and after the treatment. Bone-to-soft tissue ratios were calcul ated from static (delayed) images and scintigraphic evaluations were d one both visually and quantitatively. Patients who received the calcit onin/calcium regimen showed reduced bone/soft tissue indices after the rapy, whereas patients who received indomethacin showed no change or s howed increased indices. In conclusion, the results show that intranas al salmon calcitonin and calcium treatment is more effective than NSAI Ds in patients with Sudeck's atrophy.