Avascular Necrosis of the Spine in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Ricardo Ochoa E, Caner Saki

Abstract

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) lesions affecting the long bones, especially the femoral and humeral heads, are observed with increased frequency in patients with lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome. However, AVN involving the spine is exceptionally unusual. We report a case that illustrates the importance of considering the diagnosis of AVN when evaluating lesions involving the spine in those patients and the characteristic findings.