Recurrent sympathetic dystrophy: successful treatment by contralateral sympathectomy.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy comprises a group of disorders characterized by disabling pain and vasomotor disturbances. Sympathectomy has become a mainstay of therapy. Recurrent symptoms following sympathectomy have been attributed to incorrect diagnosis, delayed treatment, or secondary gains. This report concerns a case of lower-extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy that recurred following an initially curative sympathectomy and that responded to treatment with contralateral sympathectomy. We suggest that these recurrent symptoms may be due to reinnervation from the contralateral lumbar sympathetic chain.