The Cerebrospinal Fluid in Rheumatoid Spondylitis

Cauda equina syndrome in ankylosing spondylitis: a report of six cases.

“…Matthews (1968) concluded that arachnoiditis may be present at the onset of the neurological complications but later becomes inactive or even resolved. This possibility is supported by the raised cerebrospinal fluid protein in the acute stage of the disease (Boland et al, 1948). Furthermore, most of the reported patients develop their symptoms over a few months and then progress very slowly or not at all.…”

Cauda equina syndrome complicating ankylosing spondylitis: use of electromyography and computerised tomography in diagnosis.

“…Two other findings help to establish this point. The examination of cerebrospinal fluid in early AS is consistent with a nonspecific inflammatory response but in late cases is normal.8 17 Contrast radiology, which demonstrates the anatomical changes, is usually unremarkable in the early course of the condition.…”

Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis in Rheumatological Diseases with Neuropsychiatric Complications and Manifestations: A Narrative Review

“…Although studies on patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis date back to the 1950s, a period in which the functionality of the blood-CSF barrier was not yet assessed using the QAlb, the authors noted an increase in CSF proteins in the absence of a corresponding increase of serum levels in approximately 40% of patients of both sexes [88,89]. Most likely today, given the use of the CSF/serum albumin ratio, this increase would be assessed as a consequence of an altered barrier function.…”

“…In the same period, data from patients with a diagnosis of "rheumatoid spondylitis" were also presented [89]. Data from 50 consecutive cases, 33 of which were found to have spondylitis, while in 17 cases, spondylitis was associated with peripheral rheumatoid arthritis, were included in the study.…”