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Ankylosing spondylitis

Case contributed by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Low back pain.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Typical appearance of bamboo spine with multiple syndesmophytes between the vertebral bodies are seen. There is also a single central radiodense line related to ossification of supraspinous and interspinous ligaments which is called dagger sign. 

Additionally bilateral sacroiliac ankylosis is evident.

Several hyperdense stones are present at bilateral renal lodges.

Case Discussion

Typical bamboo spine and dagger sign in a known patient with ankylosing spondylitis. The dagger sign is a single central radiodense line on frontal radiographs related to ossification of supraspinous and interspinous ligaments which is seen in ankylosing spondylitis

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