CAUDA-EQUINA SYNDROME COMPLICATING ANKYLOSING-SPONDYLITIS - ROLE OF COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING

We present two cases of cauda equina syndrome in ankylosing spondyliti s. Cauda equina syndrome is a rare complication of ankylosing spondyli tis, the pathogenesis of which is not well understood. The onset is in sidious with pain and sensory symptoms; sphincter disturbances are com mon. After a period of increasing neurological symptoms, the condition tends to stabilize. The degree of nerve involvement is variable and c an be accurately defined by electromyography. The diagnosis has to be confirmed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (M RI); myelography must be avoided. There is no specific treatment, exce pt for pain control. The different clinical presentations and the role of new imaging techniques, CT and MRI, are demonstrated.