Victim of Neglect: Juvenile Spondyloarthropathy (Juvenile-onset Ankylosing Spondylitis)

Abstract

Spondyloarthropathy refers to a group of overlapping disorders that include spondylitis, sacroiliitis, asymmetrical peripheral arthritis, and enthesitis. If the onset is before 16 years of age, the condition is known as juvenile-onset spondyloarthropathy. We report a case of a 20-year-old male, who presented with history of pain in the left hip joint for 5 years, and pain in the right hip joint for the last 4 months. Flexion deformity of the left hip joint was noted at presentation. He was advised hip replacement at another center. A much delayed rheumatological evaluation revealed bilateral sacroiliitis, eye features of old iritis, and human leukocyte antigen B27 positivity. A positive family history was also present. He was diagnosed as a case of juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis and started on appropriate treatment. Timely recognition and management of juvenile spondyloarthropathy go a long way in preserving joints and quality of life.