Ankylosing spondylitis

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Admitted with sepsis.

Patient Data

Age: 75 years
Gender: Male
x-ray
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Info

Obscuration of the left hemidiaphragm silhouette. Unremarkable cardiomediastinal contour. "Bamboo spine" consistent with ankylosing spondylitis.

The patient's source of sepsis was diagnosed as an obstructive pyelonephritis. 

Fluoroscopy
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Info

Preliminary shot from a nephrostogram demonstrates changes of ankylosing spondylitis with bamboo spine, dagger sign and sacroiliac joint ankylosis. 

Case Discussion

Ankylosing spondylitis can often be an incidental finding, especially in older men. 

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