Cauda equina syndrome secondary to long‐standing ankylosing spondylitis

摘要: Fourteen patients with cauda equina syndrome secondary to long-standing ankylosing spondylitis are described. The roughly symmetrical neurological deficits were very slowly progressive and began long after the onset of spondylitis, usually well rheumatological symptoms had stopped. Eventually every patient cutaneous sensory loss in fifth lumbar sacral dermatomes. All developed urinary sphincter disturbances a lower motor neuron type. There was prominent rectal tone, all but 2 bowel complaints, including incontinence severe constipation. Seven mild moderate weakness lumbosacral myotomes. pain rectum or limbs. Electromyographic abnormalities consistent multiple radiculopathies. Myelography computed tomographic scanning spine showed characteristic enlargement caudal sac dorsal arachnoid diverticula that eroded laminae spinous processes. Recognition this syndrome, coupled sponal canal, allows one omit myelography, procedure is difficult because associated abnormalities. Surgical intervention should be avoided.