[Severe algodystrophy of the foot simulating ischemic arteriopathy. Spectacular cure by regional sympathetic block with guanethidine]

Abstract

The authors report a case of severe algodystrophy of the foot complicating a typical episode of algodystrophy of the knee, and which resulted in appearances of acute ischaemia of the foot. Paraclinical investigations seemed to support this aetiology but arteriography excluded this diagnosis, showing only regular distal arterial narrowing. This case illustrates the extremely variable clinical and paraclinical features of algodystrophy and the possibility of significant hypofixation from the onset and during the course of algodystrophy in young patients. It shows that there are no specific, constant clinical signs or paraclinical changes. From the therapeutic point of view, it confirms the often spectacular effects of prolonged regional sympathetic nerve block with Guanethidine which may give an immediate and definitive cure of severe algodystrophy when all else has failed.