title: Spontaneous atlantoaxial subluxation as a presenting manifestation of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis. A case report.
abstract: Juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis is an unusual disorder which can present with either peripheral arthritis or with more classic hip girdle and back symptoms. Atlantoaxial instability has been recognized as a late complication in only one patient and has not been reported as an early manifestation. This paper presents a case in which atlantoaxial instability and neck pain without neurologic involvement was a presenting manifestation. The laboratory and clinical features of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis are discussed, along with the importance of qualitative sacroiliac joint scintigraphy in the diagnosis of early or confusing cases.
mesh_terms: D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000293:injuries*; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000293:injuries*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000150:complications*