The case of a woman with bilateral Dupuytren's contractures who developed CRPS-1 after fasciectomy with no relapse on subsequent collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection and manipulation of the other hand: Considerations for implementing a Budapest criteria checklist and assessing vasomotor instability by measuring differences in skin temperature.

Abstract

Background: For patients who experience atypical neurogenic pain thought to be complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after Dupuytren's fasciectomy early recognition has been reported to improve outcomes. Furthermore, given the progressive nature of Dupuytren's, individuals with a history of CRPS have been "at risk" for further surgical intervention.

Purpose: To familiarize therapists with a Budapest criteria (BC) checklist for early diagnosis of CRPS, describe how tracking sudomotor/vasomotor signs alongside differences in skin temperature were used to monitor vasomotor instability and intervention effectiveness for a patient with atypical pain after fasciectomy and to detail management of the same patient with a CRPS history who had collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection of her other hand without exacerbating CRPS.

Study design: Case report.

Methods: Medical record review was done by the author. Part 1- patient-reported symptoms and therapist-observed signs were mined and scored against the BC. Part 2- vasomotor/sudomotor signs and differences in skin temperatures (>1˚C) were used to interpret response to therapy and medical interventions. Part3- description and pictures of the process this patient underwent for CCH and manipulation.

Results: Part 1- therapist documentation failed to satisfy the BC. Part 2- vasomotor/sudomotor signs and skin temperature differences of >1˚C reflected the patient's incomplete response to therapy and medication, thus strengthening need for percutaneous stellate ganglion sympathetic nerve blocks. Part 3- CRPS was not exacerbated with CCH procedure.

Conclusions: Use of a BC checklist may guide documentation, speed recognition for an earlier diagnosis of CRPS in patients with Dupuytren's and an atypical post-fasciectomy response. Once identified, observed signs and measures of skin temperature could be used to monitor response to therapy and medical interventions. The positive outcome for this woman with Dupuytren's and CRPS-I after CCH injection are encouraging.