Open AccessUnilateral neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder secondary to syringomyelia: Diagnostic challenges
Author(s) -
Partha Pratim Chakraborty,
Saumik Datta,
Sayantan Ray,
Rana Bhattacharjee,
Subhankar Chowdhury
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
world journal of clinical cases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.368
H-Index - 10
ISSN - 2307-8960
DOI - 10.12998/wjcc.v3.i12.1017
Subject(s) - medicine , syringomyelia , arthropathy , syrinx (medicine) , neuropathic pain , magnetic resonance imaging , surgery , spinal cord , range of motion , radiology , osteoarthritis , pathology , anesthesia , alternative medicine , psychiatry
Neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder is a rare disorder characterized by joint degeneration, and is associated with loss of sensory innervation. Syringomyelia is a disease in which fluid-containing cavities (syrinxes) form within the spinal cord. Here, we report a case of neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder secondary to syringomyelia in a 40-year-old woman. X-rays of the left shoulder revealed damage to bone and joint architecture. Blood tests indicated vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed a large syrinx from the second cervical spine to the second dorsal spine. Although neuropathic arthropathy is uncommon, it should be considered in cases of unexplained pain, discomfort, or limited range of motion of the affected joint. Symptoms related to the affected joint may precede or overshadow neurological deficits. Appropriate radiological examinations and diagnoses are imperative to prevent misdiagnosis or undetected bone and joint disorders.