Multiple nerve roots lesion revealing underlying ankylosing spondylitis

Introduction. - Radicular manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis are rare and observed in the course of long-term ankylosing spondylitis. Exegesis. - The case of a young man who presented with bilateral and multip le radicular involvement is reported. Neurological symptoms occur a few wee ks before ankylosing spondylitis was diagnosed. Conclusion. - This suggests that nerve root lesions might take place during initial stages of the disease. The role of inflammatory changes in the reg ion of the intervertebral foramina is discussed. Disease evolution is marke d by relief of neurological disorders in response to anti-inflammatory trea tment. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.