Kennedy’s Disease with Chronic Low Back Pain and Muscle Weakness
10.35827/cp.2023.22.2.127
- Author:
Jae Yeon KIM
1
;
Young Sook PARK
;
Hyun Jung CHANG
;
Jin Gee PARK
;
Eun Sol CHO
;
Da Hye KIM
;
Jeong Hwan LEE
;
Se Jin KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:
Clinical Pain
2023;22(2):127-130
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Kennedy’s disease (KD) or bulbospinal muscular atrophy is an uncommon x-linked recessive genetic disorder. Its diagnosis is challenging due to its wide array of clinical manifestations and difficulty distinguishing it from other motor neuron diseases.Thus, diagnosis is confirmed through DNA testing. 52-year-old male patient presented to the hospital with chronic low back pain (LBP) and muscle weakness. The patient had mild weakness in some proximal muscles, increased deep tendon reflex.Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed degenerative changes. Motor nerve conduction test results showed close to the normal. Sensory nerve conduction test results showed decreased latency and amplitude in most nerves. Needle electromyography revealed fasciculation potentials, diffuse fibrillation potentials, and positive sharp waves were detected. Thus, molecular genetic testing was performed. Consequently, KD was diagnosed. These results suggest the importance of detailed history taking and neurological examination even for patients with chronic LBP to rule out severe diseases.
