Pregnancy-induced algodystrophy

Pregnancy-induced algodystrophy is per se a rare, possibly too rarely diagn osed disease, since patients with algodystrophy may be misdiagnosed as havi ng unspecific backache, musculoskeletal problems, and ligament pain associa ted with pregnancy. However, when clinical signs of beginning algodystrophia are present, immed iate investigations and therapy are necessary for relief of pain and in ord er to prevent complications. The aim of this paper is to summarize our curr ent knowledge on this disease. Furthermore, the clinical course and diagnos tic evaluation are described in two cases with pregnancy-induced algodystro phy. The authors question the common distinction between pregnancy-induced and post-pregnancy algodystrophy, which result in a disturbed bone and calc ium metabolism, but discuss both entities similary.