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Neuropathic bladder in ankylosing spondylitis with spinal diverticula
F S Haddad1, J S Sachdev, M Bellapravalu
1Service of Surgery, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Urology
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Cauda equina syndrome with neuropathic bladder, a rare complication of ankylosing spondylitis, can involve spinal diverticula eroding vertebrae. This study reports 3 new cases, highlighting this rare association and reviewing its causes and treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Urology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine.
- Cauda equina syndrome (CES) and neuropathic bladder are rare but recognized complications.
- Subarachnoid diverticula eroding vertebral bodies are an infrequent finding in CES associated with ankylosing spondylitis.
Observation:
- This report details three cases of patients presenting with CES and neuropathic bladder secondary to long-standing ankylosing spondylitis.
- In one patient, spinal diverticula were visualized using computed tomography (CT) scans.
- These findings underscore the potential for vertebral erosion by subarachnoid diverticula in this specific patient cohort.
Findings:
- The study reinforces the association between ankylosing spondylitis, CES, neuropathic bladder, and spinal diverticula.
- It adds three new cases to the previously reported 46 instances of this rare condition.
- The diagnostic utility of CT scans in identifying these diverticula is demonstrated.
Implications:
- Early recognition and diagnosis of spinal diverticula are crucial for managing CES in ankylosing spondylitis patients.
- Understanding the etiology of these diverticula may lead to improved treatment strategies.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal management of this rare complication is warranted.