J Rheum Dis.  2017 Jun;24(3):169-170. 10.4078/jrd.2017.24.3.169.

Progressive Occipitocervical Subluxation Despite Biologic Agent Therapy in a Patient with Advanced Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Oh YJ
• Chai JW
• Shin K

• KMID: 2385346
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jrd.2017.24.3.169

Abstract

No abstract available.

MeSH Terms

Arthritis, Rheumatoid*
Humans

Figure

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  Figure 1. (A) There are multiple erosions (arrowheads) at the base and neck of the odontoid process of axis (open mouth view). Note the symmetrical joint space narrowing (arrows) of lateral atlantoaxial joints, which is a typical finding in rheumatoid arthritis.(B) Anterior subluxation of the atlantoaxial joint is evident at flexion. The atlantodental interval is 7 mm (double-headed arrow). (C) The Ranawat C1∼ C2 index (double-headed arrow) is 12 mm, just below the normal range.

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  Figure 2. (A) Three years later, the Ranawat C1∼ C2 index (double-headed arrow) is markedly decreased, suggesting basilar impression. Note the odontoid process (asterisk) is protruded beyond the horizontal axis of atlas (dashed line). (B) The reformatted sagittal computed tomography (CT) scan shows that the odontoid process is protruded above the level of foramen magnum (McRae line; dashed line). There are multiple erosions (arrows) in the C4, C5 discovertebral area. (C) A reformatted sagittal CT scan of a 25-year-old healthy female. The odontoid process is under the McRae line (dashed line).

Reference

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5. Han MH, Ryu JI, Kim CH, Kim JM, Cheong JH, Bak KH, et al. Factors that predict risk of cervical instability in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Spine (Phila Pa. 1976; 2016 Oct 25 [Epub].DOI: DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000001942.