Spondylodiscitis and pseudarthrosis in a patient with enteropathic spondyloarthropathy

Article Abstract:

Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the spine. Although the cause of this disease is unknown, it may have some relationship to Crohn's disease (an inflammatory disease that usually affects the small intestine). Spondylitis is more frequently found in patients with Crohn's disease than in patients who do not have Crohn's disease. When a patient with Crohn's disease has spondylitis, it is called enteropathic spondyloarthropathy (disease of the spine and joints associated with small bowel inflammation). This article describes the case report of a 48-year-old man with enteropathic spondyloarthropathy. In 1965, the patient developed back pain and neck stiffness and was diagnosed as having ankylosing spondylitis. In 1972, the patient developed inflammation of the bowels, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and has since had five bowel operations (resections) because of an obstruction or blockage within the bowels. In 1989, the patient returned to the hospital because of severe back pain. After rest, physiotherapy and treatment with diclofenac the patient improved and was sent home. One year later the patient was readmitted because the back pain had become worse and had spread to his abdomen. The patient had a separation between two of the vertebrae in the mid-portion of his back, and a spinal fusion was performed to join the two vertebrae together. It is concluded that inflammation of the intestines may be more common in ankylosing spondylitis than was previously thought, and that a better understanding of Crohn's disease may improve the understanding of ankylosing spondylitis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Inflammatory bowel diseases, Reiter's syndrome

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Intestinal perforation in a patient with severe ankylosing spondylitis

Article Abstract:

Some patients with ankylosing spondylitis may develop serious lower intestinal complications associated with Crohn's disease. Despite normal upper intestinal test results, a middle-aged man with a long history of ankylosing spondylitis was persistently anemic between the ages of 54 and 66 years. The anemia had been attributed to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. However, severe abdominal pain developed. Exploratory surgery revealed a number of deteriorating sections in the lower intestine consistent with Crohn's disease. The man died three days after surgery from a blood infection.

Abnormalities, Risk factors, Intestines

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