Clinical value of dynamic bone and vascular scintigraphy in diagnosing reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the upper extremity.

The role of planar dynamic scintigraphy in the diagnosis and staging of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is presented. Bone and vascular tracers are used for this purpose. The bone scan assessment corresponded closely to the clinical diagnosis and appeared excellent to exclude RSD. Accurate staging is important for therapy decisions. Staging by the early phases of bone and vascular scans were concordant in about three quarters of patients, but vascular scintigraphy led to a restaging in the remaining quarter of patients. Both scintigraphic procedures (bone and vascular) are indicated in diagnosing and monitoring upper extremity RSD.