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Extradural spinal cord compression by rheumatoid nodule
M Tsegaye1, S Bassi, R D Ashpole
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, UK.
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|October 21, 2003
Summary
Rheumatoid disease, a systemic inflammatory condition, can rarely cause spinal cord compression due to rheumatoid nodules. Surgical decompression offers good recovery for affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Rheumatoid disease is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disorder.
- Neurological complications of rheumatoid disease are common, but spinal cord compression is rare.
- Rheumatoid nodules are a common manifestation of rheumatoid disease, typically affecting subcutaneous tissues.
Observation:
- Two cases of rheumatoid disease presenting with spinal cord compression caused by rheumatoid nodules are described.
- Patients experienced neurological deficits due to the compression.
- The location of the rheumatoid nodules was identified as the cause of the spinal cord compression.
Findings:
- Surgical decompression was performed in both cases.
- Both patients experienced significant improvement in neurological function post-surgery.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of rheumatoid nodules.
Implications:
- This highlights a rare but treatable cause of spinal cord compression in rheumatoid disease.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Rheumatoid nodules should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord compression in patients with rheumatoid disease.