Intravoxel incoherent motion and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for assessing abnormalities of brucellosis spondylitis without conventional MRI changes

Objective To observe the value of intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM)and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI(DCE-MRI)for assessing abnormalities of brucellosis spondylitis(BS)without conventional MRI changes.Methods Data of 36 brucellosis patients with definite spinal lesions displayed on conventional MRI(BS 1 group),14 cases without brucellosis infection nor abnormal spinal signals on MRI(control group)and 36 brucellosis patients without definite spinal lesions on conventional MRI(BS 2 group)were retrospectively analyzed.The values of IVIM parameters,including perfusion fraction(f),pure water diffusion coefficient(D)and pseudo-diffusion coefficient(D*),also of DCE-MRI parameters,including time-intensity curve(TIC)type,volume transport constant(K trans),the rate constant(K ep)and volume fraction of extravascular extracellular space per unit tissue volume(V e)were compared among groups.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen independent factors for discriminating BS 1 and BS 2.Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn,and the areas under the curve(AUC)were calculated to evaluate the efficiency of the above parameters for discriminating BS 1 and BS 2.Results Among IVIM parameters,compared with control group,D*values decreased but D values increased in BS 1 group,while D*values increased in BS 2 group(all adjusted P<0.05).Compared with BS 2 group,BS 1 group had higher values of f and D and lower D*(all adjusted P<0.05).In BS 1 group,the TIC types were predominantly typeⅠ(23/36,63.89%),which were wholly or predominantly typeⅢin BS 2 group and control group,and of the former was significantly different with latter 2(both adjusted P<0.05).Compared with control group,K trans increased progressively in both BS 1 and BS 2 groups(both adjusted P<0.05).BS 1 group had lower K ep and higher V e than BS 2 and control groups(all adjusted P<0.05).Among univariate logistic regression models,the model including only f had lower capability for discriminating BS 1 and BS 2(AUC=0.759)than those including D,K trans and V e(AUC=0.951,0.833,0.894,all P<0.05).No significant different was found among multivariate logistic regression model including f and D,model including K trans and V e nor model including all above parameters(all P>0.05).Conclusion Both IVIM and DCE-MRI could be used to evaluate BS abnormality without conventional MRI changes.

Ankylosing spondylitis coexisting with Clonorchis sinensis infection: A case report

BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease.The prevailing theory links AS onset to infections in susceptible individuals.Furthermore,infections may impair the immune responses.Numerous studies have investigated links between AS and various infections-bacterial,viral,fungal,and other microorganism infections.However,limited attention has been given to the association between AS and Clonorchis sinensis(C.sinensis)infection.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old male with a 10-yr history of AS presented to our hospital with inflammatory lower back pain as the primary manifestation.Ten years ago,the patient had achieved a stable condition after treatment with biological agents.However,he experienced a recurrence of lumbosacral pain with an unexplained cause 10 d before hospital admission.A lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan revealed bone marrow edema in the left sacroiliac joint,and laboratory indicators were elevated.Moreover,the presence of C.sinensis eggs was detected in the stool.The patient was prescribed praziquantel,resulting in the disap-pearance of C.sinensis eggs in subsequent routine stool tests and relief from lumbosacral pain.A follow-up MRI scan performed after 4 months revealed a reduction in bone marrow edema around the left sacroiliac joint.CONCLUSION C.sinensis infections could potentially trigger the exacerbation of AS.Clinicians should pay attention to investigating the presence of infections.INTRODUCTION Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is a chronic inflammatory and rheumatic disease resulting from an imbalance between innate and acquired immune responses[1].While it can affect any part of the spine,its primary symptoms are persistent back pain and stiffness in the lower back and pelvis.The prevalence of AS per 10000 individuals is 23.8 in Europe,31.9 in North America,16.7 in Asia,10.2 in Latin America,and 7.4 in Africa[2].Infections commonly occur in the first 3 months and may act as potential triggers for the first symptoms of AS,often manifesting as gastrointestinal,urinary tract,and respiratory infections of microbiological origin[3,4].Clonorchis sinensis(C.sinensis)infection is a severe parasitic disease affecting millions globally,especially prevalent in China,South Korea,the Far East of Russia,and Vietnam,with an estimated 15 million cases[5].Transmission occurs through the consumption of undercooked freshwater fish containing metacercariae.Adult C.sinensis parasites then establish themselves within the human hepatobiliary system[6].C.sinensis infection triggers the activation of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2,leading to the injury and fibrosis of the hepatobiliary[7].Recent research in a rat model found that C.sinensis infection increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by stimulating hepatic progenitor cell proliferation[8].Complications of C.sinensis infection include cholestasis,cholangitis,biliary system fibrosis,and in severe cases,the development of cholangiocarcinoma[9].Consequently,the primary preventive measure is to abstain from consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish.Praziquantel is the recommended and effective treatment for this infection[10].While there is existing literature on the coexistence of AS and parasitic infections,there is limited research specifically addressing the simultaneous presence of AS and C.sinensis infection.This case report details a rare scenario of AS coexisting with C.sinensis infection,underscoring the potential impact of C.sinensis infection on AS disease activity.

Effects of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores on ankylosing spondylitis patients with sleep disorder

BACKGROUND Patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS)frequently suffer from comorbid sleep disorders,exacerbating the burden of the disease and affecting their quality of life.AIM To investigate the clinical significance of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores in patients with AS complicated by sleep disorders.METHODS A total of 106 AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders were included in the study.The patients were grouped into the desirable and undesirable prognosis groups in accordance with their clinical outcomes.The serum levels of inflammatory factors,including C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,interleukin(IL)-6,tumour necrosis factor-αand IL-1β,were measured.Disease activity scores,such as the Bath AS functional index,Bath AS disease activity index,Bath AS metrology index and AS disease activity score,were assessed.The health index was obtained through the Short Form-36 questionnaire.RESULTS The study found significant associations amongst serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores in AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders.Positive correlations were found between serum inflammatory factors and disease activity scores,indicating the influence of heightened systemic inflammation on disease severity and functional impairment.Conversely,negative correlations were found between disease activity scores and health index parameters,highlighting the effect of disease activity on various aspects of healthrelated quality of life.Logistic regression analysis further confirmed the predictive value of these factors on patient outcomes,underscoring their potential utility in risk assessment and prognostication.CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the intricate interplay amongst disease activity,systemic inflammation and patientreported health outcomes in AS patients complicated by sleep disorders.The results emphasise the need for comprehensive care strategies that address the diverse needs and challenges faced by these patients and underscore the potential relevance of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores as prognostic markers in this patient population.

Ultrasound-guided intra-articular corticosteroid injection in a patient with manubriosternal joint involvement of ankylosing spondylitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Manubriosternal joint(MSJ)disease is a rare cause of anterior chest pain but can be a major sign of systemic arthritic involvement.In patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS),a type of systemic arthritis,chest pain can be due to MSJ involvement and can be improved by ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection into the joint.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old man visited our pain clinic complaining of anterior chest pain.There were no abnormal findings on lateral sternum X-ray,but arthritic changes in the MSJ were observed on single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography.We performed additional laboratory tests,and he was finally diagnosed with AS.For pain relief,we performed ultrasound-guided intra-articular(IA)corticosteroid injections into the MSJ.After the injections,his pain nearly resolved.CONCLUSION For patients complaining of anterior chest pain,AS should be considered,and single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography can be helpful in diagnosis.In addition,ultrasound-guided IA corticosteroid injections may be effective for pain relief.

Pyogenic spondylitis caused by Escherichia coli: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Pyogenic spondylitis is often manifested as atypical low back pain and fever,which makes it easy to be confused with other diseases.Here we report a case of pyogenic spondylitis and describe the diagnosis and treatment based on the related literature.CASE SUMMARY The reported case suffered from pyogenic spondylitis caused by Escherichia coli and complicated with bacteremia and psoas abscess.Acute pyelonephritis was initially diagnosed due to atypical symptoms.Symptoms were improved from antibiotic treatment while developing progressive lower limb dysfunction.One month post the admission,the patient underwent anterior lumbar debridement+autogenous iliac bone graft fusion+posterior percutaneous screw-rod internal fixation,and received 6 wk of antibiotic treatment after the operation.Reexamination 4 mo post the operation showed that the patient had no evident pain in the waist,and walked well with no evident dysfunction of lower limbs.CONCLUSION Here we describe the application value of several imaging examinations,such as X-ray,computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging,and certain tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in the clinical treatment of pyogenic spondylitis.This disease requires early diagnosis and treatment.Sensitive antibiotics should be used in early stages and surgical intervention should be taken if necessary,which may help for a speedy recovery and prevent the occurrence of severe complications.

Advances in Research of Ankylosing Spondylitis with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This paper reviews the advances in research of co-pathogenesis and clinical treatment of ankylosing spondylitis(AS)and inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),in order to offer ideal therapeutic effects for comorbid patients and to provide new ideas for clinical practice.

Pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis with pyogenic spondylitis:A case report

BACKGROUND This case report presents a patient with pyogenic spondylitis(PS)associated with lactation-related osteoporosis during pregnancy.The 34-year-old female patient experienced low back pain for one month,beginning one month postpartum,with no history of trauma or fever.Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine revealed a Z-score of-2.45,leading to a diagnosis of pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis(PLO).The patient was advised to cease breastfeeding and take oral calcium and active vitamin D.Despite these interventions,her symptoms worsened,and she had difficulty walking one week later,prompting her to revisit our hospital.CASE SUMMARY Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scans showed abnormal signals in the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies and intervertebral space,while an enhancement scan displayed abnormal enhanced high signals around the L4/5 intervertebral disc,suggesting a lumbar infection.A needle biopsy was performed for bacterial culture and pathological examination,culminating in a final diagnosis of pregnancy and lactation-related osteoporosis with PS.Following treatment with antiosteoporotic medications and antibiotics,the patient’s pain gradually subsided,and she returned to normal life within five months.PLO is a rare condition that has garnered increasing attention in recent years.Spinal infections during lactation in pregnancy are also relatively uncommon.CONCLUSION Both conditions primarily manifest as low back pain but require distinct treatments.In clinical practice,when diagnosing patients with pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis,the possibility of spinal infection should be considered.A lumbar MRI should be conducted as needed to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Use of Ilizarov technique for bilateral knees flexion contracture in Juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is a chronic rheumatic disease that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac and peripheral joints.Juvenile-onset AS(JoAS)patients will likely present with peripheral joint symptoms.Knee flexion contracture(KFC)and hip flexion contracture(HFC)are common in these patients due to subchondral bone inflammation.The Ilizarov technique is the most commonly used technique for treating KFC.However,its use to treat JoAS-associated KFC has not been reported.CASE SUMMARY This report presents a case study of a 31-year-old male patient with a squatting gait due to severe bilateral KFC and HFC.The patient had a normal walking pattern until the age of eight,after which he experienced knee and hip pain,leading to the gradual development of KFC and HFC.The patient’s primary complaint was an inability to walk upright.The patient was diagnosed with JoAS and under-went hip dissection and release,limited soft tissue release of the hamstring,and gradual traction using the Ilizarov method.Ultimately,the patient was able to walk upright.CONCLUSION The incidence of squatting gait due to KFC in individuals diagnosed with JoAS was low.Utilizing the Ilizarov technique has proven to be a secure and effective method for managing KFC in JoAS patients.Although the Ilizarov technique cannot substitute for total knee arthroplasty(TKA),its application can delay the need for primary TKA in JoAS patients and alleviate the intricacy and potential complications associated with the procedure.

Research Progress in the Treatment of New Bone Formation of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)has a very high disability rate.How to effectively inhibit the formation of new bones has become a difficult point in clinical treatment.In recent years,research has shown that different treatment plans can have an impact on inhibiting new bone formation.In this paper,the different effects of new bone formation in the treatment of AS with traditional Chinese and Western medicine are systematically listed.

基于内容分析法探讨长蛇灸治疗AS疗效及其影响因素

目的:采用内容分析法通过文献样本分析、总结与强直性脊柱炎(AS)患者疗效相关的影响因素。方法:基于内容分析法,通过中国知网、维普中文科技期刊全文数据库、万方数据知识服务平台、中国生物医学文献数据库、PubMed期刊数据库进行检索分析。优化研究中选取AS患者60例,均行长蛇灸治疗,按照最终疗效分为总有效组与无效组,分析影响效应指标有无应答的因素。结果:相关影响因素主要为24种,包括患者人口社会学、遗传、生活环境、病情评估、生物学信息、血清炎性指标、基因多态性与磁共振动态增强成像指标等8大类。要素差异分析显示发病年龄、病程、风湿病家族史、吸烟史、肠道感染、Bath强直性脊柱炎疾病活动指数评分、强直性脊柱炎疾病活动评分-C反应蛋白评分、神经功能分级、骨赘形成、基线白介素-34(IL-34)、IL-35、IL-18、IL-37、基线红细胞沉降率、基线C反应蛋白、基线中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比率、基线血小板与淋巴细胞比率、亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶1298(CC基因型)、增强因子(骶侧/髂侧)、增强斜率(骶侧/髂侧)、容积转移常数(骶侧/髂侧)、血管外细胞外间隙容积比(骶侧/髂侧)等均是影响效应指标有无应答的因素。结论:临床应重视AS患者的相关影响因素,并探索未知因素及其组合影响的深宽度,优化能有效治疗AS患者的针对性治疗方案。

运动针法联合西药治疗强直性脊柱炎的疗效观察及对BASFI、BASDAI评分的影响

目的 观察运动针法联合西药治疗强直性脊柱炎(ankylosing spondylitis, AS)肾虚督寒证的临床疗效及对巴氏强直性脊柱炎功能指数(Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index, BASFI)、巴氏强直性脊柱炎疾病活动性指数(Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index, BASDAI)评分的影响。方法 将78例AS肾虚督寒证患者分为观察组和对照组,每组39例。对照组给予吲哚美辛缓释胶囊和柳氮磺吡啶肠溶片治疗,观察组在对照组治疗基础上加用运动针法治疗。观察两组临床疗效、不良反应,治疗前后临床症状(胸廓活动度、晨僵时间、Schober试验、疼痛关节数)、炎症相关指标[C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein, CRP)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α)、白介素-17(interleukin-17, IL-17)]、中医证候积分、BASFI和BASDAI评分的变化。结果 观察组总有效率为89.7%,高于对照组的69.2%(P<0.05);两组治疗后临床症状、炎症相关指标、中医证候积分、BASFI和BASDI评分均改善(P<0.05),且观察组优于对照组(P<0.05);两组不良反应发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 运动针法联合西药治疗强直性脊柱炎肾虚督寒证疗效好,能明显改善BASFI、BASDAI评分。

Differential study of DCE-MRI parameters in spinal metastatic tumors, brucellar spondylitis and spinal tuberculosis

Objective： In the present study, spinal metastatic tumors, brucellar spondylitis and spinal tuberculosis werequantitatively analyzed using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging （DCE-MRI） to assess thevalue of DCE-MRI in the differential diagnosis of these diseases.Methods： Patients with brucellar spondylitis, spinal tuberculosis or a spinal metastatic tumor （30 cases of each）received conventional MRI and DCE-MRI examination. The volume transfer constant （Ktrans）, rate constant （Kep）,extravascular extracellular volume fraction （Ve） and plasma volume fraction （Vp） of the diseased vertebral bodieswere measured on the perfusion parameter map, and the differences in these parameters between the patients werecompared.Results： For pathological vertebrae in cases of spinal metastatic tumor, brucellar spondylitis and spinaltuberculosis, respectively, the Ktrans values （median ＋ quartile pitch） were 0.989±0.014, 0.720±0.011 and0.317±0.005 min-1; the Kep values were 2.898±0.055, 1.327±0.017 and 0.748±0.006 min-1; the Ve values were0.339±0.008, 0.542±0.013 and 0.428±0.018; the Vp values were 0.048±0.008, 0.035±0.004 and 0.028±0.009; thecorresponding H values were 50.25 （for Ktrans）, 52.47 （for Kep）, 48.33 （for Ve） and 46.56 （for Vp）, and all differenceswere statistically significant （two-sided P〈0.05）.Conclusions： The quantitative analysis of DCE-MRI has a certain value in the differential diagnosis of spinalmetastatic tumor, brucellar spondylitis and spinal tuberculosis.

The Assessment of the Clinical Effect of the Drug Compatibility and Course of Treatment to the Brucellar Spondylitis

Objective: To evaluate five drug treatment regimens in the treatment of Brucella spondylitis. Methods: Patients with clinical symptoms compatible and diagnostic test consistent with Brucella spondylitis were randomly assigned to five drug treatment regimens. Results: Combination therapy with doxycycline, rifampin and sulfamethoxazole for 56 consecutive days showed the highest cure rate of 20% after a single course and of 85% after a double course with affectivity rates of 55% and 95%. Cure rate and affectivity rate was significant better (P 0.05) than for patients receiving doxycycline, rifampin and streptomycin for the same period and regimens containing doxycycline were significant better than regimens without this drug. Conclusion: Combination therapy of doxycycline, rifampin and sulfamethoxazole for 8 weeks using one or two full courses should be recommended for Brucella spondylitis.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of enthesitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

The aim of this study was to assess sensitivity and responsiveness of power Doppler ultrasound （PDUS） in detecting enthesitis for ankylosing spondylitis （AS） patients compared to clinical examinations. Twenty AS patients initiating etanerceptunderwent clinical and PDUS examinations of six bilateral entheseal sites at baseline and after 1, 2 and 3 months of treatment. Clinical and PDUS examinations identified at least one entheseal lesion in nine （45%） and 19 （95%） patients, respectively. Furthermore, of 240 entheseal sites examined in these 20 patients, PDUS detected 123 entheseal lesions （51.3% of sites）, compared with only 47 entheseal lesions （19.6%） detected by clinical examination （P〈0.05）. The entheseal lesions found on PDUS were most commonly identified by calcification （33.3%）, tendon edema （29.2%）, abnormal blood flow （25.8%）, a thickened tendon （22.1%）, cortical irregularity （12.9%）, bony erosions （9.6%） and bursitis at the tendon insertion to the bone cortex （7.1%）. Improvements in clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters, and significant decreases in PDUS scores were observed following treatment with etanereept. Improvements in PDUS scores continued during follow-up in patients who entered remission following treatment. In conclusion, PDUS improves detection of structural and inflammatory abnormalities of the enthesis in AS compared to physical examination. In addition, PDUS may be useful inascertaining medications.

Clinical features of ankylosing spondylitis associated with acute anterior uveitis in Chinese patients

AIM: To characterize the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of uveitis associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Chinese patients. METHODS: Two hundred and three patients with uveitis associated with AS followed-up in the Third Military Medical University Daping Hospital between 2005 and 2010 were retrospectively evaluated in this study. Complete ophthalmological examinations were evaluated at baseline and during the follow-up period. The gender, age, follow-up time, mean frequency of uveitis onset, and accompanying eye examination findings, history, demographical parameters were reviewed. All the patients presented complete clinical and radiologic (sacroiliac, lumbar, dorsal and cervical spine, knee, ankle, shoulder, hip, elbow) evaluation. HLA-B27 typing was also searched. RESULTS: There were 203 patients diagnosed with AS associated welt's. All showed sacroiliac X-ray changes indicative of AS. There were 184 male and 19 female patients. The average age of patients was 35 +/- 12 (range 18-50). Mean follow-up period was 2.4 years (1-5 years). Acute anterior wets was the most common type of uveitis in both genders. 121 eyes presented unilateral involvement (55.2%), and 92 eyes presented bilateral involvement (45.3%) with onset alternately. 22 eyes occurred hypopyon, 16 eyes were found anterior vitreous cells, 7 eyes were noted reactive macular edema or exudation, 29 eyes presented posterior synechiae of iris, and 14 eyes presented cataract, 9 eyes presented secondary glaucoma, 2 eyes presented bend corneal degeneration and 1 eyes presented atrophy of eyeball. At the final visit, uveitis was well controlled in most patients. CONCLUSION: AS associated with uveitis in Chinese patients mainly manifests as acute anterior uveitis. A combination of corticosteroids with other mydriasis agents is effective for most AS associated with uveitis patients. In general, the prognosis is good in these cases.

The Senile Brucellosis Spondylitis Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment on as Evaluation Were Retrospectively Analyzed

Objective: To explore senile brucellosis spondylitis clinical features and diagnostic criteria, in order to improve the diagnosis rate and evaluate the clinical effects of treatment strategies. Methods: From January 2002 to August 2015, 62 patients with Brucella-associated spondylitis were treated with comprehensive diagnosis based on epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, imaging findings, laboratory tests, and local biopsy. The positive rate of red plate agglutination test (RBPT) was 45.1%, the positive rate of serum tube agglutination test (SAT) was 51.6%, and the positive rate of brucellosis anti-human immunoglobulin test (Coomb’s) was 100%. All patients underwent X-ray, CT and MRI examinations. The positive rate of blood culture in pathogenic examination was 16.1%, and the positive rate of bone marrow culture was 38.5%. The positive rate of inflammatory granuloma or abscess in the lesion sampling culture was 73.6%. All patients underwent standardized drug therapy and hyperbaric oxygen adjuvant therapy. Among them, 38 patients with neurological impairment were treated with one-stage debridement and posterior pedicle screw fixation on the basis of drug therapy. The paraspinal abscess and the diseased in-tervertebral space tissue were taken for pathological examination during the operation. One week, two weeks, one month, three months, six months and 12 months after treatment, the patients were evaluated and followed up at the monitoring sites. The evaluation indicators were pain scores, activity of daily living (ADL), imaging findings, and laboratory tests. The SPSS15.0 statistical package was used for analysis. Results: All patients were confirmed by the above-mentioned comprehensive examination after admission. 24 patients (38.71%) were treated with standard drug therapy (group A), no adverse drug reactions and abnormal liver and kidney function;the remaining 38 patients (61.29%) were combined with varying degrees of neurological impairment, and surgical treatment was performed after 2 to 4 weeks of drug therapy without improvement (group B). The pain scores showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups at the same time point (P Conclusion: The senile Brucellosis spondylitis has a characteristic performance. The de-velopment of diagnostic criteria can help to improve the diagnostic rate. Standardized drug treatment has a good cure rate. The implementation of surgery has obvious advantages whether it is to relieve pain, stabilize the spine, restore nerve function, or recover early.

Ankylosing spondylitis complicated with andersson lesion in the lower cervical spine: A case report

BACKGROUND Andersson lesion(AL)is an uncommon complication in ankylosing spondylitis(AS),which is characterized by nonneoplastic bone destruction and often appears as bone destruction and sclerosis in the vertebral body and/or the area involving the intervertebral disc.According to the literature,Andersson lesion commonly occur in the thoracic and lumbar spine and rarely in the cervical spine.CASE SUMMARY This case involved a 78-year-old man with a long history of AS who developed AL in the cervical spine(C5/6 and C6/7).One-stage anterior-posterior approach surgery was successfully performed.At the 6-month follow-up,the pain was significantly reduced,and the limb function was gradually improved.CONCLUSION AL uncharacteristically appears in the cervical spine and tends to be misdiagnosed as vertebral metastases or spinal tuberculosis.Posterior combined with anterior surgery achieves solid biological stabilization in the treatment of AL bone destruction.

Total hip arthroplasty in fused hips with spine stiffness in ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is characterized by involvement of the spine and hip joints with progressive stiffness and loss of function.Functional impairment is significant,with spine and hip involvement,and is predominantly seen in the younger age group.Total hip arthroplasty(THA)for fused hips with stiff spines in AS results in considerable improvement of mobility and function.Spine stiffness associated with AS needs evaluation before THA.Preoperative assessment with lateral spine radiographs shows loss of lumbar lordosis.Spinopelvic mobility is reduced with change in sacral slope from sitting to standing less than 10 degrees conforming to the stiff pattern.Care should be taken to reduce acetabular component anteversion at THA in these fused hips,as the posterior pelvic tilt would increase the risk of posterior impingement and anterior dislocation.Fused hips require femoral neck osteotomy,true acetabular floor identification and restoration of the hip center with horizontal and vertical offset to achieve a good functional outcome.Cementless and cemented fixation have shown comparable long-term results with the choice dependent on bone stock at THA.Risks at THA in AS include intraoperative fractures,dislocation,heterotopic ossification,among others.There is significant improvement of functional scores and quality of life following THA in these deserving young individuals with fused hips and spine stiffness.

Concurrent ankylosing spondylitis and myelodysplastic syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is an autoimmune disease characterized by sacroiliitis and spondylitis,with a few hematological abnormalities.Myelodysplastic syndromes(MDS)are a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic stem cell disorders with frequent autoimmune phenomena.The relationship between AS and MDS remains unknown.CASE SUMMARY We describe a rare case of concurrent AS and MDS.An 18-year-old man with low back pain and anemia was diagnosed with AS;however,the cause of anemia could not be determined by the first bone marrow examination.He recovered from anemia and the symptoms of AS resolved after treatment with etanercept,glucocorticoid,and blood transfusion,but he developed pancytopenia with an increased myeloblast count(from 2.5%to 9%).Chromosome analysis revealed del(7q)and trisomy 8.Refractory anemia with excess of blasts-1(RAEB-1)/MDS was confirmed by repeating the bone marrow examination.He became blood transfusion-dependent and received decitabine-based chemotherapy but eventually died.CONCLUSION We suspect that AS may be an early autoimmune phenomenon related to MDS.However,a condition of coexistence cannot be excluded.

Occurrence of human leukocyte antigen B51-related ankylosing spondylitis in a family:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is strongly associated with the human leukocyte antigen(HLA)B27 haplotype.In regions where conventional polymerase chain reaction for HLA typing is available for antigens such as HLA B27 or HLA B51,it is common to perform the HLA B27 test for evaluation of AS.While HLA B27-associated clustered occurrences of AS have been reported in families,we report the first case series of HLA B51-related occurrences of AS in a family.CASE SUMMARY A father and his daughters were diagnosed with AS and did not have the HLA B27 haplotype.Although they were positive for HLA B51,they exhibited no signs of Behçet’s disease(BD).Of the five daughters,one had AS,and three,including the daughter with AS,were positive for HLA B51.The two daughters with the HLA B51 haplotype(excluding the daughter with AS)exhibited bilateral grade 1 sacroiliitis,whereas the daughters without the HLA B51 haplotype did not have sacroiliitis.Thus,this Korean family exhibited a strong association with the HLA B51 haplotype and clinical sacroiliitis,irrespective of the symptoms of BD.CONCLUSION It is advisable to check for HLA B51 positivity in patients with AS/spondyloarthropathy who test negative for HLA B27.