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Ankylosing spondylitis

Case contributed by Abdallah Alqudah
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Withheld.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Severe changes of sacroiliitis. Ankylosis of spinal vertebrae and calcified interspinous ligaments (dagger sign) are clearly seen on these frontal X-rays.

ct

Diffuse decrease in bone density is seen. Kyphosis of the spine with syndesmophytes and ankylosing of the spinal vertebrae are seen. Calcification of the interspinous ligaments are also seen. Severe changes of sacroiliitis is noted with bony erosion, vacuum phenomina and sclerosis at the inferior iliac component of the SI joint. However no complete ankylosis seen. No evidence of fracture. 

Case Discussion

The bony findings are characteristics of the patient's known ankylosing spondylitis. Many signs are seen on the x-rays namely dagger sign and bamboo spine. The CT more clearly shows these findings.

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