A case of osteomalacia mimicking ankylosing spondylitis

Rheumatol Int. 2001 Aug;20(6):239-42. doi: 10.1007/s002960100120.

Abstract

A 39-year-old woman presented with symptoms of pain in the lumbar region and lower extremities. Physical findings included restricted movement of the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint tenderness, positive Schober's test (10-12.5 cm), and bilaterally positive Mennel and Fabere tests. Although these symptoms and findings were suggestive of ankylosing spondylitis, osteomalacia was diagnosed with the appearance of multiple pseudofractures in her pelvic X-ray and laboratory abnormalities. All her symptoms and signs resolved in 6 months with vitamin D and calcium treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcium Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / diagnostic imaging*
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology
  • Humans
  • Osteomalacia / complications*
  • Osteomalacia / diagnosis*
  • Osteomalacia / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteomalacia / drug therapy
  • Pelvic Bones / injuries*
  • Radiography
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / diagnosis*
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / diagnostic imaging
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Calcium Compounds
  • Vitamin D