Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Emergency Medicine Clinical Presentation

  • Author: Steven J Parrillo, DO, FACOEP, FACEP; Chief Editor: Robert E O'Connor, MD, MPH   more...
 
Updated: Apr 15, 2011
 

History

The most widely accepted criteria for the diagnosis were published by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). It lists the diagnostic criteria for complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS I) (RSDS) as follows:[17]

  1. The presence of an initiating noxious event or a cause of immobilization
  2. Continuing pain, allodynia (perception of pain from a nonpainful stimulus), or hyperalgesia disproportionate to the inciting event
  3. Evidence at some time of edema, changes in skin blood flow, or abnormal sudomotor activity in the area of pain
  4. The diagnosis is excluded by the existence of any condition that would otherwise account for the degree of pain and dysfunction.

According to the IASP, CRPS II (also known as causalgia) is diagnosed as follows:

  1. The presence of continuing pain, allodynia, or hyperalgesia after a nerve injury, not necessarily limited to the distribution of the injured nerve
  2. Evidence at some time of edema, changes in skin blood flow, or abnormal sudomotor activity in the region of pain
  3. The diagnosis is excluded by the existence of any condition that would otherwise account for the degree of pain and dysfunction.

Note that the primary difference between type I and type II is the identification of a definable nerve injury.

Two other criteria sets are in common use for CRPS I, though the IASP only accepts the above criteria. While there is overlap, the differences have caused some difficulties in that authors may define their populations differently.[18]

Veldmen et al list the following:[19]

  1. At least 4 out of 5 signs or symptoms - Pain, difference in skin color, edema, difference in skin temperature, and active range of motion
  2. Signs and symptoms present in an area larger than might be expected of the initial trauma.
  3. Increase in signs and/or symptoms after exercise

Bruehl et al list the following:[20]

  • Continuing pain disproportionate to any inciting event.
  • Presence of at least one symptom in each of the following categories:
    • Sensory
    • Vasomotor
    • Sudomotor/edema
    • Motor/trophic
  • Two signs of sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor/edema, and motor/trophic

Brunner et al performed a Delphi survey among international experts.[21] The survey asked those experts to list and grade diagnostic and follow-up parameters for CRPS I. Although there was some disagreement about weighting, the consensus is as follows.

The 3 diagnostic parameters, each with a subcategory, are listed below.

  • Pain
    • Hyperesthesia
    • Hyperalgesia
    • Allodynia
  • Signs
    • Edema
    • Color
  • Mobility
    • Motor change
    • Range of motion
    • Strength

The one follow-up parameter is clinical course. The subcategories are as follows:

  • Decrease in pain
  • Decrease in hyperalgesia
  • Decreased edema
  • Improvement in motor function
  • Improvement in strength

The experts from this survey also agreed that the diagnosis can and should be established without additional studies (radiography, scintigraphy).[21] Other authors believe likewise.[22] Much of the older RSDS literature notes a predisposing personality of depression. However, many other studies have demonstrated that, while most patients are depressed, they are depressed because of their pain. (See Causes below.)

Many patients with CRPS/RSDS will exhibit some type of movement disorder ranging from strength reduction (78%) to tremor (25-60%) to myoclonus and dystonia. Although some authors believe these are pain-induced findings, others believe they are primary abnormalities.[23]

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Physical

The physical findings have been listed as part of the "History" section because the criteria sets include both signs and symptoms. Three stages have been classified. Although a consensus panel recommended that staging be eliminated, it is important that the emergency physician has an awareness of potential disease progress. Disease progress is very variable.

  • Stage I or early RSDS: Pain is more severe than would be expected from the injury, and it has a burning or aching quality. It may be increased by dependency of the limb, physical contact, or emotional upset. The affected area becomes edematous, may be hyperthermic or hypothermic, and shows increased nail and hair growth. Radiographs may show early bony changes. Duration is usually 3 months from onset of symptoms. Some patients remain in one stage or another for many months or even years. They may never progress or they may progress quickly to late stage. Remember that physical findings may be minimal, especially in those who remain in stage I or progress slowly.
  • Stage II or established RSDS: Edematous tissue becomes indurated. Skin becomes cool and hyperhidrotic with livedo reticularis or cyanosis. Hair may be lost, and nails become ridged, cracked, and brittle. Hand dryness becomes prominent, and atrophy of skin and subcutaneous tissues becomes noticeable. Pain remains the dominant feature. It usually is constant and is increased by any stimulus to the affected area. Stiffness develops at this stage. Radiographs may show diffuse osteoporosis. The 3-phase bone scan is usually positive. Duration is 3-12 months from onset.
  • Stage III or late RSDS: Pain spreads proximally. Although it may diminish in intensity, pain remains a prominent feature. Flare-ups may occur spontaneously. Irreversible tissue damage occurs. Skin is thin and shiny. Edema is absent. Contractures may occur. Radiographs indicate marked demineralization.

Extensive changes are present in the muscles of patients with long-standing disease.[24]

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Causes

Many hypotheses exist, but a definite cause has not been identified. (See Pathophysiology).

Older literature suggested that development of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) required a triad of conditions: an injury, an abnormal sympathetic response, and a predisposing personality. Most current literature disputes the need for an underlying personality disorder. In August 2000, Schwartzman stated, "There is no evidence that affected patients have a personality disorder, but the severity of pain and the disruption of the patient's life can lead to anxiety and depression."[25] Beerthuizen et al reviewed 31 articles that addressed an association between psychiatric illness and CRPS-1. Almost all the studies showed no causal relationship.[26]

Peterlin et al suggested that migraine may be a risk factor for the development of CRPS, but theirs is the only paper of its type.[27]

ACE inhibitors have been suggested as a possible cause for the development of CRPS.[9, 28]

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Steven J Parrillo, DO, FACOEP, FACEP  Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine, Jefferson Medical College and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; Medical Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Einstein Elkins Park; Chair, Emergency Management Committee, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network; Adjunct Professor, School of Health and Science, Philadelphia University; Medical Director and Faculty, Disaster Medicine and Management Masters Program, Philadelphia University

Steven J Parrillo, DO, FACOEP, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, American Osteopathic Association, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Joseph A Salomone III, MD  Associate Professor and Attending Staff, Truman Medical Centers, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine; EMS Medical Director, Kansas City, Missouri

Joseph A Salomone III, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, National Association of EMS Physicians, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

J Stephen Huff, MD  Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Neurology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine

J Stephen Huff, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American Academy of Neurology, American College of Emergency Physicians, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

John D Halamka, MD, MS  Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Robert E O'Connor, MD, MPH  Professor and Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia Health System

Robert E O'Connor, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Physician Executives, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, Medical Society of Delaware, National Association of EMS Physicians, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and Wilderness Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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