Paraplesia induced by compression of granulation tissue derived from thoracic intervertebral joint of a rheumatoid patient A case report

Abstract

We report a case of paraplegic rheumatoid patient with spinal compression caused by granulation tissue from thoracic intervertebral joint. Sixty-four year old woman with a 3 weeks' history of leg weakness was admitted to our hospital. She also complained of dysuria. There was a 17 years' history of RA. Neurological examination revealed paresis of the iliopsoas and the quadriceps, and she was not able to move her ankles and toes actively. Her sensation was disturbed below the umbilical line. Plane roentgenogram showed multiple compression fractures of thoracolumbar spine, which were often seen in osteoporotic patients. But MRI and CT-myelogram showed bilateral compressive lesion against the spinal cord between the 9th and the 10th thoracic vertebra. A posterior decompression was carried out. A granulation tissue from intervertebral joint was observed to compress the spinal cord, and which was removed. Her neurological symptoms were immediately improved after the above surgery.