[Complex regional pain syndrome: epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests and therapeutic proposals]

Abstract

Background and objectives: The term Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) was adopted as from 1994 by the International Association for Study of Pain (IASP) Consensus. It previously referred to by several other names, such as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Causalgia, Algodystrophy or Sudecks Atrophy, and is a disease where the understanding of clinical limits, pathophysiology and pathogenic implications is still very poor. Thus resulting in disappointment both for patients and for health professionals with regard to currently available therapies. This study aimed at reviewing the literature and updating information to improve the understanding of this severe painful syndrome.

Contents: This study is a literature review of several CRPS aspects, with emphasis in its causes, definition and taxonomy, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic tests and most recent therapies.

Conclusions: There are few well controlled, double blind and randomized CRPS studies with large samples, and there are still several questions about this disease. The treatment is usually empirical and the patient outcome is poor.