A rare neurological presentation due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the thoracic spine and ankylosing spondylitis: Case report

Tsung Jen Huang, Robert Wen Wei Hsu, Yi Shyan Liao, Hsin Nung Shih, Yeung Jen Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) may be associated with certain rheumatic conditions including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or spondylosis. More than 95% of all OPLL are localized at the cervical spine. Herein, we report a case of OPLL at the thoracic spine in an HLA-B27-positive female patient with ankylosing spondylitis. The patient was presented to us with spastic paraparesis. The imaging studies included plain roentgenograms, tomograms, myelo-CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A continuous rod-like ossification along the posterior aspects of the fourth to sixth thoracic vertebrae with spinal cord compression was noted. The patient underwent a laminectomy from T4 to T6. At the second year follow-up examination, residual upper back soreness and mild left thigh pain were noted. However, the patient had resumed a full daily schedule and could walk freely without any support.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)550-553
Number of pages4
JournalSpinal Cord
Volume35
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament
  • Paraparesis
  • Thoracic spine

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