Transverse myelitis in a patient with long-standing ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is reported to involve not only the joints bur other organs as well. Among these extra-articular involvements, uncommon complic ations associated with nervous system such as single root lesions, compress ion of the myelum and cauda equina syndrome have also been documented. Here we present a patient,with longstanding ankylosing spondylitis who develope d spastic paraparesis. Extensive study to find the cause of a spastic parap aresis failed and therefore led to the conclusion that this patient was suf fering from transverse myelitis. Similar reports in the past have been attr ibuted to an association with multiple sclerosis; however, we suggest that the findings support the diagnosis of a rare complication of ankylosing spo ndylitis with an unknown etiology.