[Ankylosing spondylitis with mononeuritis and possible multiple sclerosis (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine.
• Neurological complications are rare but recognized associations with ankylosing spondylitis.
• Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.

Observation:

• A patient with ankylosing spondylitis presented with symptoms suggestive of multiple sclerosis.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed elevated gammaglobulin levels.
• The patient exhibited an atypical response to steroid therapy, with transient symptom resolution and recurrence upon treatment cessation and resumption.

Findings:

• The patient developed acute right peroneal neuritis with reduced nerve conduction velocity.
• The neurological presentation and treatment response differed from typical multiple sclerosis.
• This case suggests a potential association between ankylosing spondylitis and neurological disorders, including peripheral neuritis.

Implications:

• The findings suggest a possible link between ankylosing spondylitis and neurological manifestations, including peripheral neuropathies.
• Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms connecting these conditions.
• This case contributes to the limited literature on neurological complications in ankylosing spondylitis.