Sneddon's syndrome

Hi

I have a new patient coming in for treatment this week with a diagnosis of Sneddon's Syndrome. I have searched most databases but have failed to find any physiotherapy articles on treating this syndrome.

If anyone has any previous experience of treating this condition or could direct me to publications regarding treatments, I would be very grateful.

Tx
Cathy

[Physiobase]

This question will go out on this weeks eNews. So hopefully you might get some answers. For now I have grabbed a bit more general info from the web for all readers:

Sneddons's Syndrome

Description:

A syndrome of livedo reticularis and cerebrovascular lesions with livedo involved in all the extremities and the trunk, purpura, leg ulcers, scarring, gangrene of toes, transient ischaemic attacks, an impaired or absent pulse in posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis arteries, and the Raynaud phenomenon. Worsening in cold weather and during the acute phase of neurological complications. Onset at all ages (2 months to 69 years). Described in males. Sporadic occurrence or autosomal dominant inheritance.

Epidemiology Incidence is estimated at four cases per million population per year.

Presentation

The condition develops slowly over a variable time frame. Non-specific prodromal symptoms (headache, dizziness) often precede livedo reticularis by several years and this is followed by the development of focal neurological symptoms and then progressive cognitive impairment. Involvement of fundi, peripheral nerves, heart, and kidneys is frequent but usually asymptomatic. Livedo reticularis is a bluish mottling of skin, usually on the legs, and the appearance may be aggravated by exposure to cold.

Management Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. No medication has been proven to be effective.

Prognosis Some symptoms tend to resolve over a very variable time course. Hypertension is the only risk factor that is significantly associated with a more severe course of the disease.