Ankylosing Spondylitis Complicating with Spinal Epidural Hematoma: A casereport

Authors

Hui-Lin Lin
Yen-Ho Wang
Huey-Wen Liang
Chi-Kai Chang

Translated Title

僵直性脊椎炎併發脊髓硬膜外血腫：病例報告

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that most commonly affects vertebral and pelvic joints. It is characterized by ossification of all spinal ligaments, articular joints, and intervertebral discs in association with osteoporosis of the vertebral bodies, thus, rendering the spine prone to trauma, which, even if minimal, may cause serious neurologic complications.Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare clinical condition. Etiologically, it may be traumatic or nontraumatic. Spontaneous SEHs occur more frequently than traumatic SEHs. Although rare, posttraumatic SEH occurs frequently in patients with AS. We report the case of a 71-year-old male patient who suffered from AS for more than 20 years and experienced tetraplegia as a result of an accidental fall. Cervical and thoracic SEHs were diagnosed by magnetic resonance image. The neurologic recovery was successful after early decompression surgery and rehabilitation. The purpose of this casereport is to remind clinicians that SEH, although rare, commonly occurs in patients with AS, and that early diagnosis and treatment can contribute to good functional recovery.

Language

Traditional Chinese

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.6315/2004.32(1)06

First Page

39

Last Page

46

Recommended Citation

Lin, Hui-Lin; Wang, Yen-Ho; Liang, Huey-Wen; and Chang, Chi-Kai (2004) "Ankylosing Spondylitis Complicating with Spinal Epidural Hematoma: A casereport," Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 32: Iss. 1, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/2004.32(1)06
Available at: https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol32/iss1/6