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Kissing spines syndrome (Baastrup syndrome)

Case contributed by Heba Abdelmonem
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Low back pain.

Patient Data

Age: 75 years
Gender: Female

Age-related close approximation and contact of L2, L3, L4 and L5 adjacent spinous processes (kissing spines) with subsequent enlargement, flattening and subchondral sclerosis of the related interspinous surfaces.

Additional findings of L4-L5 disc bulge. Multiple levels anterior osteophytes, Schmorl's nodes as well as positive vacuum sign. Bilateral arthropathy of the facet joints more severe at L5-S1 levels.

Case Discussion

The close approximation of the spinous processes results in interspinous degenerative changes is referred as Baastrup syndrome.

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