| Abstract | In order to evaluate the potential value of telethermography in the early diagnosis of Sudeck's disease, the authors examined 10 patients presenting with this condition. Mean disease duration was 3.2 months and algodystrophic lesions in all patients were localized in one of the lower extremities. Ten healthy subjects, with mean age and sex distribution similar to those of the patients with Sudeck, were chosen as controls. Clinical examination, laboratory tests and telethermography were performed every two weeks for three months; X-rays of the affected limbs were also performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. All patients with algodystrophy were treated with salmon calcitonin (100 U.I./die/i.m. during the first 2 months and 100 U.I. on alternate days during the last month). Clinical-therapeutic thermographic monitoring showed that the localized hyperthermic pattern, initially shown in all patients (temperature levels at least three centigrades above normal values), later underwent a progressive time-related reduction leading to normalization. These results enable the authors to confirm the potential value of telethermography in the early diagnosis of Sudeck's disease and in its clinical monitoring, particularly in relation to therapy. |
| Authors | N Giordano, E Battisti, A Franci, L Cecconami, L Magarò, P Marcucci
(Affiliation: Istituto di Reumatologia, Università degli Studi di Siena.)
|
| Journal | La Clinica terapeutica
(Clin Ter)
Vol. 138
Issue 2
Pg. 91-6
(Jul 31 1991)
ISSN: 0009-9074 ITALY |
| Vernacular Title | La teletermografia nella diagnosi precoce e nel monitoraggio clinico-terapeutico della malattia di Sudeck. |
| PMID | 1718654
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
|
| Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Calcitonin
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
(diagnosis, therapy)
- Thermography
- Time Factors
|
