Recurrent Cervical Subdural Bleeding Because of Atlantoaxial Instability in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report.

CASE: Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) is a frequent complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its involvement in intracranial bleeding is unclear. We present a young woman with history of systemic lupus erythematosus and RA who developed 3 episodes of subdural bleeding at the upper cervical spine and cranial level. Imaging tests showed signs of AAI with odontoid deformity. The case was interpreted as recurrent traumatic cervical subdural hemorrhage because of AAI. No new episodes occurred after surgical C1-C2 fixation.

CONCLUSION

We report a case that had the association of hemorrhage and C1-2 instability in a patient with RA and lupus erythematosus.