Fracture of the spine, spinal epidural haematoma and spondylitis. Report of one case and review of the literature

Abstract

We report the case of a patient suffering from spinal epidural haematoma and thoracic spinal fracture, and from ankylosing spondylitis. Fourteen cases of spinal epidural haematoma in association with ankylosing spondylitis have been reported in the literature, 12 of them at a cervical level. Spinal epidural haematoma found in patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis share the same clinical picture as other haematomas, the notion of time being the main feature. Serious neurological complications caused the death of five patients. The case we report is singular for its thoracic localization and two attacks of total paralysis both followed by spontaneous and complete recovery. Today, MRI is the best method to reach a clear and reliable diagnosis. Widespread use of MRI will certainly increase the number of diagnoses made. Our patient underwent operation including osteosynthesis using Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation. This enabled him to resume his professional activities only 30 days after his accident.